2009 BMW 530 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 36 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 97 kg more than 1973 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 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 530 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 78 L |
