2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1988 BMW 525
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 250 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1988 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 239 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
