1980 BMW 316 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 530 kg more than 1980 BMW 316.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 386 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1980 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1980 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 62 L |
