1989 BMW Z1 vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 255 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | C |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4591 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2008 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1444 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
