1983 BMW 316 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1983 BMW 316 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 316 | 280 |
Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |