1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 38 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 200 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 51 L |
