1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2012 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2012 Ford Falcon 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Falcon (265 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Falcon weights approximately 502 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.
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, 2012 Ford Falcon (409 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2012 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z3 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 409 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | LPG |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1757 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4955 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 68 L |
