1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | 300 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2500 mm |
