2004 BMW 520 vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2004 BMW 520 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2004 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2002 BMW Z8.
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, 2002 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 520 | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 520 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 73 L |
