1986 BMW Z1 vs. 2002 BMW 318
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 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 58 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 472 kg more than 1986 BMW Z1.
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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 2002 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
