2007 BMW 318 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 34 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 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 2007 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 318 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 82 L |
