2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 155 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| 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 | 1445 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 |
