1994 BMW M5 vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 BMW Z4. (335 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2011 BMW Z4. 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW M5. (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW M5. 2011 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1994 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1994 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M5 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 55 L |
