2004 BMW Z4 vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2004 BMW Z4. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 179 kg more than 2004 BMW Z4. 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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1296 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
