2004 BMW Z4 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,964 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 480 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 4964 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 88 L |
