1988 BMW 524 vs. 2006 BMW Z4
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 18 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 130 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 2006 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 524 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
