1990 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 BMW Z8
To start off, 2003 BMW Z8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 225 kg more than 2003 BMW Z8.
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, 2003 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 BMW Z8 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
Model | S | Z8 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5547 cc | 4939 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 297 HP | 400 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 463 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 94 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4410 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2580 mm |