1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 313 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 BMW Z3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | BMW | Plymouth |
| Model | Z3 | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
