2003 BMW 330 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 24 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 330 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 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 20 kg more than 2003 BMW 330.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 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 2003 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 330 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:
2003 BMW 330 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 330 | 280 |
Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2940 mm |