1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,520 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1996 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 450 (359 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 4520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 95 L |
