2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1992 BMW 540
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 245 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1992 BMW 540 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 540 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 3980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 65 L |
