2000 BMW Z3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 166 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.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 BMW Z3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2488 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
