1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 465 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz S (351 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3170 mm |
