2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (109 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 66 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | 230 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
