1986 BMW Z1 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW Z1 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 397 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 BMW Z1 (222 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2009 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1986 BMW Z1 has manual transmission. 1986 BMW Z1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW Z1 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z1 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 998 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 63 L |
