2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2006 BMW 523
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 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 53 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 232 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW 523 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 | 2006 BMW 523 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z3 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 236 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 9 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 | 1400 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
