1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2009 BMW 116
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 13 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 87 more horse power than 2009 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 116 weights approximately 270 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 116. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 116 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 116 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2009 BMW 116 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 116 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 53 L |
