1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 335 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 72 L |
