1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (320 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 520 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, 2012 BMW 335 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 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 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 57 L |
