2008 BMW 523 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 175 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 26 kg more than 1976 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 523 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |
