1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1989 BMW 850
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 542 kg more than 1987 BMW Z1. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1989 BMW 850 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 850 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
