2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 355 kg more than 2006 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL (272 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
