2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 110 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
