2007 BMW M3 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1968 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280. (225 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 86 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 | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
