1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1998 BMW Z3
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 11 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 210 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1998 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
