1988 BMW 525 vs. 2009 BMW Z4
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 21 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 98 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 525. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2009 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
