1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 600 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano (305 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 2060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3210 mm |
