1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 39 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 525 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.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 461 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2012 Alpina B7 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. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Alpina |
| Model | 280 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 82 L |
