1989 BMW Z1 vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 10 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 604 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1989 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1989 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | S |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3090 mm |
