2005 BMW 316 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 26 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 72 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2005 BMW 316. 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 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 316 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:
| 2005 BMW 316 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 316 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
