1998 BMW Z3 vs. 2008 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 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, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2008 BMW Z4.
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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4. 2008 BMW Z4 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. 2008 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 2008 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2500 mm |
