1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 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 42 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
