1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 90 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
