Car comparison

BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9vsBMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW Z8 (E52)

4.9

400 hp4941 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2000-2005
VS

BMW M3 Convertible (E93)

4.0 V8

420 hp3999 ccGasolineRWDDual-clutchNaturally aspiratedCabriolet / convertible2008-2010

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8

  • Most powerful
    420 hp
    313 kW
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    12.3 L/100 km
    19.1 mpg US
    23.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.3 L/100 km
    13.6 mpg US
    16.3 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    9.4 L/100 km
    25.0 mpg US
    30.1 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    512 km
    318 mi
  • Largest trunk
    210 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best economy score
    74/100
  • Best practicality score
    42/100

BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.7 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    500 Nm
    369 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,660 kg
    3,660 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    241 hp/t
    180 kW/t
    4.2 kg/hp
  • Best performance score
    74/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWZ8 (E52)4.9BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Power
400hp298kW
420hp313kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
400Nm295lb-ft
Curb weight
1,660kg3,660lb
1,830kg4,034lb
Gross weight
1,900kg4,189lb
2,280kg5,027lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
59.2s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
61.3s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.7s
5.1s
0-200 km/h
16.3s
Calculated
17.3s
0-60 mph
4.5s
Calculated
4.9s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
14.5L/100 km16.2mpg US19.5mpg UK
12.3L/100 km19.1mpg US23.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
21.1L/100 km11.1mpg US13.4mpg UK
17.3L/100 km13.6mpg US16.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
9.4L/100 km25mpg US30.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.8s
Calculated
13.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
241hp/t180kW/t109hp/1000 lb
Calculated
230hp/t171kW/t104hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
301Nm/t202lb-ft/ton
Calculated
219Nm/t146lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
503km313mi
Calculated
512km318mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,941cc302cu in
3,999cc244cu in
Length
4,400mm173in
4,615mm182in
Width
1,830mm72in
1,804mm71in
Height
1,317mm52in
1,392mm55in
Wheelbase
2,505mm99in
2,761mm109in
Front track
1,550mm61in
1,540mm61in
Rear track
1,570mm62in
1,539mm61in
Trunk volume
203L
210L
Max trunk volume-
350L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
4
Fuel tank
73L
63L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8PowerTorque
  • BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWZ8 (E52)4.96,600 rpm3,800 rpm6,850 rpm
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V88,300 rpm3,900 rpm8,550 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWZ8 (E52)4.9BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.5 s
4.9 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.7 s
5.1 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.3 s
17.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.6 s
5.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.4 s
8.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.8 s
11.1 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.8 s
13.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
180 km/h
112 mph
177 km/h
110 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
400 hp
298 kW
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
420 hp
313 kW

BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8 has 20 hp more than BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9.

The biggest power difference is between BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9 and BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8: 20 hp (15 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
400 Nm
295 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
1,830 kg
4,034 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.94.7 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V85.1 s

Although BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8 has more power, BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9 and BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8: 0.4 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
14.5 L/100 km
16.2 mpg US
19.5 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8 and BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9: 2.2 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
241 hp/t
180 kW/t
4.1 kg/hp
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
503 km
313 mi
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
512 km
318 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
400 hp
298 kW
4.7 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
420 hp
313 kW
5.1 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
203 L
7.2 cu ft
Length
4,400 mm
173.2 in
Height
1,317 mm
51.9 in
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Power
420 hp
313 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
210 L
7.4 cu ft
Length
4,615 mm
181.7 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
Power
400 hp
298 kW
0-100 km/h4.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
14.5 L/100 km
16.2 mpg US
19.5 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Power
420 hp
313 kW
0-100 km/h5.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK

BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
14.5 L/100 km
16.2 mpg US
19.5 mpg UK
4.7 s
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
5.1 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWZ8 (E52)4.9
241 hp/t
180 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
14.5 L/100 km
16.2 mpg US
19.5 mpg UK
BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWZ8 (E52)4.9BMWM3 Convertible (E93)4.0 V8
Power
400 hp
298 kW
420 hp
313 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
400 Nm
295 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.7 s
5.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,660 kg
3,660 lb
1,830 kg
4,034 lb
Fuel consumption
14.5 L/100 km
16.2 mpg US
19.5 mpg UK
12.3 L/100 km
19.1 mpg US
23.0 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
203 L
7.2 cu ft
Length
4,400 mm
173.2 in
Height
1,317 mm
51.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
210 L
7.4 cu ft
Length
4,615 mm
181.7 in
Height
1,392 mm
54.8 in
Range score
503 km
313 mi
512 km
318 mi
Trunk score
203 L
7.2 cu ft
210 L
7.4 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
241 hp/t
180 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
230 hp/t
171 kW/t
4.4 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW Z8 (E52) 4.9BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8
Consumption14.5 L/100 km16.2 mpg US19.5 mpg UK12.3 L/100 km19.1 mpg US23 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km25.38 LC100 km21.53 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi40.84 LC100 mi34.64 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used2,175 L575 US gal478 UK gal1,845 L487 US gal406 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,806 LC/year3,229 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9

  • Has 100 Nm more
  • Is 170 kg lighter
  • Is 0.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 11 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8

  • Has 20 hp more
  • Uses 2.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 9 km (5 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 7 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW Z8 (E52) 4.9
BMW M3 Convertible (E93) 4.0 V8
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