1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 650 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 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 BMW 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2012 BMW 650 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 280 | 650 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2855 mm |
