1973 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1973 BMW 525. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1973 BMW 525. 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 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 BMW 525. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 BMW 525. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1973 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1973 BMW 525 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:
| 1973 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
