2008 BMW 320 vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2012 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 320 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
