1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 380 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3839 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 51 L |
