1986 BMW Z1 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 602 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | E |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 65 L |
