2006 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (257 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 430 kg more than 2001 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 Mercedes-Benz E (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW Z3 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW Z3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | BMW |
| Model | E | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.9 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
