1989 BMW Z1 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 22 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1989 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1. 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW Z1. (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW Z1 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2968 mm |
