1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 435 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 85 L |
