2007 BMW 730 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 BMW 730 is newer by 27 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 730 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 730 weights approximately 320 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, 2007 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2007 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 730 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 730 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2460 mm |
