2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1988 BMW 530
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 98 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 530. (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1988 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 261 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 80 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1593 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
