2001 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW Z4. (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
