1990 BMW Z1 vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 22 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1990 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 490 kg more than 1990 BMW Z1. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 BMW Z1 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1990 BMW Z1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | BMW | Buick |
| Model | Z1 | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2837 mm |
