2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 BMW 725
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 725. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 725 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 385 kg more than 2000 BMW Z3.
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 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 725. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 725. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 725 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 725 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 | 1996 BMW 725 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 725 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2940 mm |
