1988 BMW 520 vs. 1971 Honda Z
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 1060 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW 520 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Honda Z, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1971 Honda Z has manual transmission. 1971 Honda Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1971 Honda Z | |
| Make | BMW | Honda |
| Model | 520 | Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 355 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2010 mm |
