1990 BMW Z1 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (345 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1990 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 230 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW Z1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 Porsche 911 (390 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW Z1 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | BMW | Porsche |
| Model | Z1 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4465 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1311 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
