1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, both 1997 BMW Z3 and 1997 Mercedes-Benz A were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW Z3 weights approximately 373 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 BMW Z3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | A |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
