1988 BMW 525 vs. 2002 BMW Z4
To start off, 2002 BMW Z4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z4 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 74 kg more than 2002 BMW Z4.
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, 2002 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525. 2002 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2002 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
