1989 BMW Z1 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (169 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1.
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, 1989 BMW Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
