1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 215 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
