1986 BMW Z1 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 18 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 492 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 62 L |
