2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1997 BMW 318
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1997 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 318 weights approximately 130 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 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 318. (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1997 BMW 318 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2489 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 63 L |
