2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1998 BMW 729
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 729. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 729 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 729 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 729 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 729 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 729 weights approximately 480 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4. 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, 1998 BMW 729 (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 729 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 1998 BMW 729 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. 1998 BMW 729 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1998 BMW 729 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 729 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2940 mm |
