1995 BMW Z3 vs. 1998 BMW 320
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 301 kg more than 1995 BMW Z3.
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 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW Z3. (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW Z3. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1995 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1995 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 1998 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1951 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 207 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 | 1175 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
