1991 BMW 518 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 518 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
