1988 BMW Z1 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (182 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 240 kg more than 1988 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 C (250 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1796 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
