2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2006 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, 1985 BMW M5 (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
