1997 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 BMW 330
To start off, 2007 BMW 330 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2007 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 330 weights approximately 112 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 BMW Z3 (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 330. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 330. 2007 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 2007 BMW 330 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 330 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
