2009 BMW M3 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
