Performance Review: BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW Z4 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular BMW Z4 has a 3246cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a St formation.

Alternative Petrol St6's includes the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965

The Z4 shares its Petrol St6 engine configuration with the likes of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the . If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Z4's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1485 kgs (3273 lbs) this makes the BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d in the same weight category as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW Z4 shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 3246cc 32V St6 engine produces 338 bhp (252 kW) @ 7900 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (348 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 269 lb-ft (364.7 Nm) @ 4900 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the BMW Z4 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2017 Dodge Challenger TA 392 (252.6 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW Z4.

The BMW Z4 has a Power to weight ratio of 227.6 bhp per ton and 181.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 Z4 competing with the 2017 Dodge Challenger TA 392 (252.6 bhp per ton) or the 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera T PDK (252.5 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the BMW Z4 generating around 181.1 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1969 Dodge Charger 7.2L Daytona (205.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1993 Aston-Martin DB7 3.2 V6 (205.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.0 secs, this made the BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d as fast as the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (4.80 secs) the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (4.80 secs) the 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.7 V12 Turbo (4.80 secs) the or the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 392 (4.80 secs). This BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d is also faster than the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 2.0 Turbo (4.90 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (4.90 secs) the and the 2020 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Touring (4.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Z4 and the 2006 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro

When talking about the performance of the BMW Z4 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.38 secs @ 102.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2006 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro (13.32 secs), the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR (13.32 secs), and the 2009 Volkswagen-VW Scirocco R 2.0 Turbo (13.33 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 Z4 equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2006 BMW Z4 3.2 M Roadster 2d then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2006 Z4 Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison