2008 BMW 318 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (503 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 740 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (830 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 550 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 503 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 4.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5226 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3165 mm |
