2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 785 kg more than 2008 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (316 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | S |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
