1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 250 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 158 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 16.8 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2450 mm |
