2008 BMW 318 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 265 kg more than 2008 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
