1989 BMW Z1 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 17 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 440 kg more than 1989 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | E |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
