2009 BMW 330 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW 330 is newer by 33 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 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 330 weights approximately 211 kg more than 1976 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, 2009 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 330 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 330 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 79 L |
