2008 BMW 525 vs. 1990 BMW Z1
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1990 BMW Z1.
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, 2008 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1990 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
