2000 BMW Z9 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2000 BMW Z9 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z9 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z9 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z9 weights approximately 431 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Z9 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z9 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z9 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2450 mm |
