Performance Review: BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW Z4 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 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 2996cc 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, 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 1385 kgs (3053 lbs) this makes the BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d in the same weight category as the 2022 Koenigsegg CC850 4.9 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The BMW Z4 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp)

In terms of power the 2996cc 32V St6 engine produces 261 bhp (194 kW) @ 6600 rpm similar to the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (276 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated St6 throws out 232 lb-ft (314.5 Nm) @ 2750 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (236 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 1967 Iso Fidia 350 5.4L V8 (213.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW Z4.

The BMW Z4 has a Power to weight ratio of 188.4 bhp per ton and 167.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 Z4 competing with the 1967 Iso Fidia 350 5.4L V8 (213.4 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 300 (213.4 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 167.5 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 1955 Ford Thunderbird 292 Fordomatic 1st Gen. (192.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 1997 Ford Mustang GT 4.6 V8 (192.4 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.70 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.9 secs, this made the BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d as fast as the 2022 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.70 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Wagon (5.70 secs) the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi 2.0 Turbo Clubsport (5.70 secs) the or the 2014 Seat Leon Cupra 265 DSG (5.70 secs). This BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d is also faster than the 2021 KIA K5 GT 2.5 Turbo (5.80 secs) the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (5.80 secs) the 2017 Seat Leon ST Cupra 300 DSG (5.80 secs) the and the 2017 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 280 (5.80 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Z4 and the 2009 Audi TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-Line

When talking about the performance of the BMW Z4 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.27 secs @ 95.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2009 Audi TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-Line (14.21 secs), the 1999 Subaru Impreza RB5 - Classic (14.22 secs), and the 2020 KIA Stinger GT 3.3 V6 Turbo (14.22 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 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 3.0si Sport 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