1999 BMW Z8 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 1999 BMW Z8. (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW Z8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 183 kg more than 1999 BMW Z8. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW Z8. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z8 | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 781 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 334 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.7 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1768 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.6 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.1 L/100km | 20.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.5 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 98 L |
