1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 174 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 560 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1619 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
