2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1983 BMW 525
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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, 2000 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 525. (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1983 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2691 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 183 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
