1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2003 BMW Z8
To start off, 2003 BMW Z8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (130 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW Z8 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. 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, 2003 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2003 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 250 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2523 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 73 L |
