2004 BMW 118 vs. 1987 BMW Z1
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 17 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1987 BMW Z1.
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 118 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1987 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
