1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2009 BMW Z4. (176 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 645 kg more than 2009 BMW Z4. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
