2006 BMW M3 vs. 2000 BMW Z3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 144 kg more than 2000 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
