1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2002 BMW Z8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 375 kg more than 2002 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 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z8. (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z8. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2002 BMW Z8 has manual transmission. 2002 BMW Z8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | S | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5789 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 73 L |
