1995 BMW 840 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1995 BMW 840 is newer by 15 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 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1995 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 840 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1980 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, 1995 BMW 840 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 840 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 840 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2460 mm |
