1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1992 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Pontiac Bonneville (205 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 381 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW Z3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1992 Pontiac Bonneville (353 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1992 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1992 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | BMW | Pontiac |
| Model | Z3 | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1636 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2820 mm |
