1986 BMW Z1 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 22 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 23 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 787 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | E |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 70 L |
