2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1490 mm |
