1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 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. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
