1999 BMW Z8 vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 256 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z8 | 300 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 100 L |
