1984 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1984 BMW 318 is newer by 5 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 82 more horse power than 1984 BMW 318. (103 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1984 BMW 318. 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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 318. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 318. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1984 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1984 BMW 318 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:
1984 BMW 318 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | 280 |
Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 103 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 178 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2940 mm |