1987 BMW Z1 vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 17 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (174 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
