1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2007 BMW 320
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2007 BMW 320. 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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (208 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2007 BMW 320 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 90 mm |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
