2009 BMW 525 vs. 1998 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 226 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3. 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 Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 525. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1998 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 525 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
