2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | BMW | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Z4 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4129 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3030 mm |
