2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2004 BMW 520
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 520 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 170 more horse power than 2004 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 520 weights approximately 185 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 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2004 BMW 520 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3248 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
