1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 510 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1987 BMW Z1 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Z1 | SL |
Year Released | 1987 | 1994 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 230 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 73.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |