2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 BMW M3
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 145 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4. 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1996 BMW M3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 3246 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
