1996 BMW 528 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 BMW 528. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 528. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 335 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 528 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
