1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 450 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5547 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2500 mm |
