2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 35 kg more than 2002 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Mustang | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
