2005 BMW 116 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 BMW 116 is newer by 27 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 68 more horse power than 2005 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 BMW 116. 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 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 116 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 116 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
