1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2002 BMW Z8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z8 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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 Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 184 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
