1998 BMW 318 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 18 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1998 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 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:
1998 BMW 318 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | 280 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 233 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.4 seconds | 11 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1550 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |