2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 TVR Chimaera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 TVR Chimaera would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 361 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
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, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1996 TVR Chimaera has manual transmission. 1996 TVR Chimaera 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 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | BMW | TVR |
| Model | Z3 | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 57 L |
