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

Figures & Specs Summary:

BMW Z4 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the BMW Z4 3.2 M Coupe 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 V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Z4 shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. 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 1495 kgs (3295 lbs) this makes the BMW Z4 3.2 M Coupe 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 24V V6 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 V6 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 2005 Audi A4 RS4 4.2 V8 (250.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the BMW Z4.

The BMW Z4 has a Power to weight ratio of 226.0 bhp per ton and 179.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 Z4 competing with the 2005 Audi A4 RS4 4.2 V8 (250.9 bhp per ton) or the 1959 Aston-Martin DB4 GT Zagato (250.9 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 Z4 generating around 179.9 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 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII GSR (204.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2000 Subaru Impreza S201 STI (204.7 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.10 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 5.3 secs, this made the BMW Z4 3.2 M Coupe 2d as fast as the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Ti 2.0 Turbo (5.10 secs) the 2018 Alfa-Romeo Giulia Q4 2.0L Turbo (5.10 secs) the 2017 Dodge Challenger RT 5.7 V8 (5.10 secs) the or the 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona 5.7 V8 370 (5.10 secs). This BMW Z4 3.2 M Coupe 2d is also faster than the 2021 Honda Civic Type R 2.0 16V Limited Edition (5.20 secs) the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (5.20 secs) the 2018 BMW X7 M50d 3.0 Turbo (5.20 secs) the and the 2018 BMW X7 xDrive 50i 4.4 V8 Turbo (5.20 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Z4 and the 1969 Ford Torino 1st Gen Cobra Hardtop Ram Air

When talking about the performance of the BMW Z4 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.41 secs @ 102.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1969 Ford Torino 1st Gen Cobra Hardtop Ram Air (13.35 secs), the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf R 2.0 Turbo DSG (13.35 secs), and the 1965 Iso Grifo GL 300 5.4L V8 (13.37 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the BMW Z4 3.2 M Coupe 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 Coupe 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