2001 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2001 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2001 BMW M3.
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, 2001 BMW M3 (330 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm). This means 2001 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2001 BMW M3 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | M3 | 280 |
Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 317 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |