2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 504 kg more than 2000 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 80 L |
