1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (220 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1987 BMW Z1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 (310 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
