1988 BMW 524 vs. 1999 BMW Z3
To start off, 1999 BMW Z3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z3 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1988 BMW 524. 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, 1999 BMW Z3 (320 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm). This means 1999 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1999 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
