2003 BMW 730 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 BMW 730 is newer by 23 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 730 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, 2003 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 730 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
