2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1999 BMW 529
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 529. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 529 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 529 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1999 BMW 529. (193 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 529. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 529 weights approximately 335 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, 1999 BMW 529 (410 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 529 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW Z4. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1999 BMW 529 has manual transmission. 1999 BMW 529 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1999 BMW 529 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | 529 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 193 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 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 | 63 L |
