1995 BMW Z3 vs. 2006 BMW 316
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 11 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 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 316 weights approximately 290 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, 1995 BMW Z3 (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316. 2006 BMW 316 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. 2006 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 2006 BMW 316 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1465 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 |
