1983 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1983 BMW 525. 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, 1983 BMW 525 (241 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 525 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2460 mm |
