2003 BMW 525 vs. 2004 BMW Z4
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 BMW 525. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4.
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, 2004 BMW Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 2004 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
