1990 BMW Z1 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 220 kg more than 1990 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
