1990 BMW 316 vs. 1986 BMW Z1
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 82 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 BMW Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1986 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 998 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
