1983 BMW 323 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 BMW 323 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 433 kg more than 1983 BMW 323. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1983 BMW 323 has manual transmission. 1983 BMW 323 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1983 BMW 323 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 323 | 280 |
Year Released | 1983 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2315 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 205 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 209 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 | 1127 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2940 mm |