Performance Review: BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d - [1998]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW Z3 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1998. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the and the .This particular BMW Z3 has a 3201cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a St formation.

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

The Z3 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 Z3's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe 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 1450 kgs (3196 lbs) this makes the BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d in the same weight category as the 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4 2.0 Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW Z3 shares the same bhp with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp)

In terms of power the 3201cc 24V St6 engine produces 321 bhp (239 kW) @ 0 rpm similar to the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (340 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 258 lb-ft (349.8 Nm) @ 0 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 Z3 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2008 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 V8 (246.1 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW Z3.

The BMW Z3 has a Power to weight ratio of 221.3 bhp per ton and 177.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1998 Z3 competing with the 2008 Chevrolet Camaro SS 6.2 V8 (246.1 bhp per ton) or the 2015 Bentley Bentayga 6.0 W12 Bi Turbo (245.9 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 Z3 generating around 177.9 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 1993 Mercedes E Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 W124 (202.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 1971 Jaguar E Type 5.3L V12 2+2 (202.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.6 secs, this made the BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d as fast as the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne 3.0 V6 Turbo (5.40 secs) the 2019 Jaguar F Type 2.0 Turbo (5.40 secs) the or the 2019 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi TCR 2.0 Turbo (5.40 secs). This BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d is also faster than the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost (5.50 secs) the 2017 Honda Civic Type R 2.0i 16v Turbo - FK8 (5.50 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon SC Cupra 300 (5.50 secs) the and the 2017 Seat Leon Cupra 300 DSG (5.50 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Z3 and the 2008 Mercedes SLK Class 350 Auto

When talking about the performance of the BMW Z3 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.51 secs @ 101.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Mercedes SLK Class 350 Auto (13.45 secs), the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (13.45 secs), and the 1993 Mercedes SL Class 60 AMG 6.0 V8 (13.45 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1998 version of the BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 2d has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 1998 Z3 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 1998 BMW Z3 M Coupe 3.2 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:

1998 Z3 Rivals List.

A Brief History of BMW

Car Comparison