1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1800. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 617 kg more than 1962 BMW 1800. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1800. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 1800 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
