1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| 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 | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
