2003 BMW M3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 230 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
