2009 Audi A3 vs. 1990 BMW Z1
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Audi A3. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Audi A3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1990 BMW Z1.
Because 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 BMW Z1. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW Z1. 2009 Audi A3 has automatic transmission and 1990 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1990 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Audi A3 | 1990 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | Audi | BMW |
| Model | A3 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
