2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 518 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 12.4 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 | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
