2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 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 Z4 (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 523 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
