2005 BMW 525 vs. 1986 BMW Z1
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1986 BMW Z1. (171 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 667 kg more than 1986 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, 2005 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW Z1. (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW Z1. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 1986 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1665 kg | 998 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 58 L |
