2000 BMW 330 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2000 BMW 330 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 330 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 330 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1974 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, 2000 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW 330 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW 330 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 330 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 247 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
