2006 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 7 kg more than 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350.
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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 350 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2470 mm |
