2005 BMW 318 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 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 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 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 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 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 318 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 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 |
