2004 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2004 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 BMW 318 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 318 | 280 |
Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |