2009 BMW 735 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW 735 is newer by 29 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 3,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 735 (268 HP) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 735 weights approximately 475 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, 2009 BMW 735 (360 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. 2009 BMW 735 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. 2009 BMW 735 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 735 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 735 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3600 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 185 HP |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.2 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 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 | 1975 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 |
