2006 BMW Z4 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 130 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, 2006 BMW Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 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. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | Z4 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
