2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 530. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 530.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1996 BMW 530 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 530 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2793 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1495 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 67 L |
