1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2005 BMW Z4
To start off, 2005 BMW Z4 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,308 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 193 kg more than 2005 BMW Z4.
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, 2005 BMW Z4 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2005 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230. 2005 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2005 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 230 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2308 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5340 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3400 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
