2007 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (128 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 125 kg more than 2007 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2950 mm |
