1998 BMW 316 vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 92 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316. 1998 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 316 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.6 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 6.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
