1972 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Mercedes-Benz E | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2497 mm |
