1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.1 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2497 mm |
