2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1985 BMW M5
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M5 (256 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M5 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3. 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW M5. (290 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW M5. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1985 BMW M5 has manual transmission. 1985 BMW M5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1985 BMW M5 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | M5 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 6.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
