2004 BMW 535 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 30 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 270 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, 2004 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 535 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
