1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 345 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1989 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 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
