1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2010 BMW 535
To start off, 2010 BMW 535 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 535 weights approximately 572 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2010 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2010 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2010 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 2080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |
