2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z4 | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
