1987 BMW Z1 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 22 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 343 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1582 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 401 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | CL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2960 mm |
