2004 BMW 525 vs. 1990 BMW Z1
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. Both 2004 BMW 525 and 1990 BMW Z1 are equipped with a 2,494 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (193 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1990 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 406 kg more than 1990 BMW Z1. 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, 2004 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1990 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
