2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1999 BMW Z8
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW Z8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW Z8 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 255 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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1999 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | Z8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 89 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
