1990 BMW Z1 vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1990 BMW Z1 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 110 kg more than 1990 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | SL |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
