2009 BMW 318 vs. 1989 BMW Z1
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1989 BMW Z1.
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, 1989 BMW Z1 (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1989 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1989 BMW Z1 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 318 | Z1 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
