2006 BMW 320 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 33 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 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 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 40 kg more than 2006 BMW 320.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 320 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
