1990 BMW Z1 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 535 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, 1990 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z1 | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2720 mm |
