1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2011 BMW 120.
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 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 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 120. 2011 BMW 120 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. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 53 L |
