1987 BMW Z1 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 40 kg more than 1987 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
