1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 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 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 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 120 kg more than 2011 BMW 325.
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, 2011 BMW 325 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 63 L |
