1975 BMW 520 vs. 1998 BMW Z3
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (320 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 1998 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2450 mm |
