1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 would be higher. At 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (142 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 weights approximately 444 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 (454 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 560 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 5547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1619 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
