2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 21 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 18 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2000 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2940 mm |
