1999 BMW Z8 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 13 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 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 98 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 176 kg more than 1999 BMW Z8.
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 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z8 | E |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1761 kg |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.6 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 21.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 66 L |
