1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 3200 CS weights approximately 205 kg more than 1973 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, both vehicles can yield 240 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3200 CS | 280 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 64 L |
