2005 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2005 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW Z4. 2012 BMW 525 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
