2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (154 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 Mercedes-Benz C (231 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | C | 318 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.8 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 63 L |
