2008 BMW 320 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 32 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 13 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1976 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, 2008 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.6 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
