1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 762 kg more than 1989 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3050 mm |
