2005 BMW Z4 vs. 1981 BMW 745
To start off, 2005 BMW Z4 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2005 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 271 kg more than 2005 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW Z4. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 1981 BMW 745 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 745 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3430 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
