1996 Pontiac Trans Sport vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 357 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3.
Because 2002 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 2002 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Trans Sport | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | BMW |
| Model | Trans Sport | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 224 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.6 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1702 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 51 L |
