2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 408 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | 280 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
