1986 BMW Z1 vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1986 BMW Z1 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW Z1 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 BMW Z1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 will offer significantly more control. 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 Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | BMW | Suzuki |
| Model | Z1 | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 1940 mm |
