2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 30 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4.
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 Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 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 2009 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW Z4 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:
2009 BMW Z4 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Z4 | 280 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2745 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 261 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 315 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2940 mm |