2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 25 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 17 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 235 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4. 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 2004 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2004 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2004 BMW Z4 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:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 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 | 168 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2940 mm |
