1997 BMW Z3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW Z3 would be higher. 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 112 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 392 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
