1986 BMW Z1 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1986 BMW Z1 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 362 kg more than 1986 BMW Z1.
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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
