1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
To start off, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 16 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (283 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 808 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, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country, 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, 2012 Chrysler Town & Country (352 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chrysler Town & Country will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2012 Chrysler Town & Country | |
| Make | BMW | Chrysler |
| Model | Z3 | Town & Country |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5151 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1999 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3078 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 76 L |
