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 3,228 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 380 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
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 (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 200 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.
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 | 3228 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.7 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 51 L |
