1988 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 8 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 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1988 BMW 525 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 525 | 280 |
Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 185 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |