2002 BMW 332 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 BMW 332 is newer by 28 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 332 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 332 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 332 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 332 weights approximately 95 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, 2002 BMW 332 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 332 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 2002 BMW 332 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW 332 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:
| 2002 BMW 332 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 332 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
