1995 BMW S3 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1995 BMW S3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW S3 (338 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 69 kg more than 1995 BMW S3.
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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW S3. (260 Nm). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW S3 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3610 mm |
