2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 24 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 2000 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C. (171 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z3 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 62 L |
