2006 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.6 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
