1. Get up to temp quickly (tubular will be quicker than cast) 2. Retain the temp in the manifold (ceramic coating will help with that) 3. Equalise flow between cylinders 4. Be slightly larger than the head ports so there is a lip to reduce reversion.
The z manifold design has problems with the 5th and 6th runners being two short causing 3 and 4. If that runner can be lengthened like ashs design it helps the manifold as a whole. Flow is only part of the equation.