2001 BMW 320 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 5 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1996 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
