2005 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2005 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2720 mm |
