2009 BMW 325 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 29 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, 2009 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2009 BMW 325.
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, 2009 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 325 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.3 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
