2003 BMW M3 vs. 2010 BMW Z4
To start off, 2010 BMW Z4 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2010 BMW Z4. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW Z4 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW Z4. (298 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2010 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
