1988 BMW 520 vs. 2000 BMW Z3
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 2000 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2000 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 2000 BMW Z3 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 | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 51 L |
