1997 BMW 850 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 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 68 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (261 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 550 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (316 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 850 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 316 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
