2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (198 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 45 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4.
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, 2006 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2870 mm |
