1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
