2007 BMW 318 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 301 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2007 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2007 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
