1996 BMW 332 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 BMW 332 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 332 (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1996 BMW 332 (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 332 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 332 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
