1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1990 BMW M3
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1988 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW Z1 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1990 BMW M3.
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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1990 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
