2009 BMW M3 vs. 2000 BMW Z3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (229 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2000 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3. 2000 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2000 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | BMW | BMW |
| Model | M3 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 6.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 51 L |
