1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3430 mm |
