1997 BMW 850 vs. 1987 BMW Z1
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1987 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1987 BMW Z1. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1987 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1987 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1987 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2450 mm |
