2002 BMW 330 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1968 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2002 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
