1996 BMW 535 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 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (215 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 215 kg more than 2008 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 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 535 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
