1988 BMW 524 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 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 90 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 524 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 524 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1445 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 |
