1999 BMW Z9 vs. 2008 BMW M3
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW Z9. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW Z9 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1999 BMW Z9. (242 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW Z9. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1999 BMW Z9. 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, 1999 BMW Z9 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z9 | 2008 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z9 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 338 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7900 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 365 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3060 mm | 2740 mm |
