2004 BMW 118 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 2 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 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
