1986 BMW M5 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 119 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 51 L |
