2009 BMW 318 vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz S. (83 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1954 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2009 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1954 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
