1992 BMW 538 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 538. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 538 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 538 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
