1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 25 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 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 138 kg more than 2011 BMW Z4.
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 (464 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW Z4. (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW Z4. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 560 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 464 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1748 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2497 mm |
