1968 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | SL | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
