2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 525 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 85 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3000 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 10.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
