1985 BMW M5 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M5 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
