1979 BMW 633 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 BMW 633. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 BMW 633 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 BMW 633 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 BMW 633 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 BMW 633 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1979 BMW 633.
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, 1979 BMW 633 (285 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 BMW 633 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 BMW 633 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 633 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
