2007 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 120 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW Z4 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | C |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 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 | 1290 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
