1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 170 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (58 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 8 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220. (126 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 220 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 220 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 130 km/hour | 236 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 29.1 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 51 L |
