1971 BMW 3 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1971 BMW 3 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 3 | 280 |
Year Released | 1971 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 254 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 11 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1550 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2830 mm |