2007 BMW 320 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 2007 BMW 320 (331 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
