1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1990 BMW 520
To start off, 1995 BMW Z3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 520 (145 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1995 BMW Z3. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 520 weights approximately 367 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3. 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, 1990 BMW 520 (186 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1990 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
