2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1990 BMW 518
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 518 would be higher. At 3,248 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1990 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1990 BMW 518. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1990 BMW 518 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 518 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 52 L |
