2005 BMW 318 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 26 kg more than 2005 BMW 318.
Because 2005 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | A |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 54 L |
