2009 BMW 118 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 105 kg more than 2009 BMW 118. 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 118 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2810 mm |
