2009 BMW 118 vs. 1996 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1996 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1996 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | 118 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 51 L |
