1989 BMW 850 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 9 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 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 295 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 850 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.4 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 90 L |
