2009 BMW 318 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 83 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260.
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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (181 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 260 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 260 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
