1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 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 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. (221 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 300 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (320 Nm). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2860 mm |
