1996 BMW 530 vs. 2010 BMW Z4
To start off, 2010 BMW Z4 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2010 BMW Z4. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2010 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, 1996 BMW 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW Z4. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2010 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 530 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
