1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1996 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, 2005 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
