Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24VvsBMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2

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

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E46)

CSL 3.2i 24V

360 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2003-2006
VS

BMW Z4 Coupe (E86)

M 3.2

343 hp3246 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2006-2008

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    360 hp
    268 kW
  • Highest torque
    370 Nm
    273 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,310 kg
    2,888 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    275 hp/t
    205 kW/t
    3.6 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.9 L/100 km
    19.8 mpg US
    23.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    17.8 L/100 km
    13.2 mpg US
    15.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    8.4 L/100 km
    28.0 mpg US
    33.6 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    529 km
    329 mi
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    66/100
  • Best performance score
    71/100
  • Best economy score
    75/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Power
360hp268kW
343hp256kW
Torque
370Nm273lb-ft
365Nm269lb-ft
Curb weight
1,310kg2,888lb
1,425kg3,142lb
Gross weight
1,800kg3,968lb
1,730kg3,814lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
59.6s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
62.0s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.0s
0-200 km/h
16.2s
Calculated
16.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
4.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.9L/100 km19.8mpg US23.7mpg UK
12.1L/100 km19.4mpg US23.3mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
17.8L/100 km13.2mpg US15.9mpg UK
18.2L/100 km12.9mpg US15.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
8.4L/100 km28mpg US33.6mpg UK
8.6L/100 km27.4mpg US32.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.0s
Calculated
13.1s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
275hp/t205kW/t125hp/1000 lb
Calculated
241hp/t179kW/t109hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
282Nm/t189lb-ft/ton
Calculated
256Nm/t171lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
529km329mi
Calculated
455km282mi
Calculated
Displacement
3,246cc198cu in
3,246cc198cu in
Length
4,492mm177in
4,113mm162in
Width
1,780mm70in
1,781mm70in
Height
1,372mm54in
1,271mm50in
Wheelbase
2,731mm108in
2,497mm98in
Front track
1,508mm59in
1,486mm59in
Rear track
1,525mm60in
1,516mm60in
Trunk volume
410L
245L
Max trunk volume-
300L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
2
Fuel tank
63L
55L

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 M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24VBMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2PowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V: Power / Torque
  • BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V7,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.27,900 rpm4,900 rpm8,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
4.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.2 s
16.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
5.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.0 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.0 s
13.1 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
181 km/h
112 mph
179 km/h
111 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
360 hp
268 kW
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
343 hp
256 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V has 17 hp more than BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2.

The biggest power difference is between BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2 and BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V: 17 hp (13 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
365 Nm
269 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
1,310 kg
2,888 lb
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
1,425 kg
3,142 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V4.9 s
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.25.0 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V and BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
241 hp/t
179 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
529 km
329 mi
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
455 km
282 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
360 hp
268 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
343 hp
256 kW
5.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
Power
360 hp
268 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
245 L
8.7 cu ft
Length
4,113 mm
161.9 in
Height
1,271 mm
50.0 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
Power
360 hp
268 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Power
343 hp
256 kW
0-100 km/h5.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
4.9 s
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
5.0 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
BMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24V
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
BMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
241 hp/t
179 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E46)CSL 3.2i 24VBMWZ4 Coupe (E86)M 3.2
Power
360 hp
268 kW
343 hp
256 kW
Torque
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
365 Nm
269 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
5.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,310 kg
2,888 lb
1,425 kg
3,142 lb
Fuel consumption
11.9 L/100 km
19.8 mpg US
23.7 mpg UK
12.1 L/100 km
19.4 mpg US
23.3 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,492 mm
176.9 in
Height
1,372 mm
54.0 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
245 L
8.7 cu ft
Length
4,113 mm
161.9 in
Height
1,271 mm
50.0 in
Range score
529 km
329 mi
455 km
282 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
245 L
8.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
275 hp/t
205 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
241 hp/t
179 kW/t
4.2 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 M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24VBMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2
Consumption11.9 L/100 km19.8 mpg US23.7 mpg UK12.1 L/100 km19.4 mpg US23.3 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km20.83 LC100 km21.18 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi33.51 LC100 mi34.08 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,785 L472 US gal393 UK gal1,815 L479 US gal399 UK gal
Annual fuel cost3,124 LC/year3,176 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V

  • Has 17 hp more
  • Has 5 Nm more
  • Is 115 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 0.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 34 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 75 km (47 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 165 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2

No measurable advantages in the available data.

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E46) CSL 3.2i 24V
BMW Z4 Coupe (E86) M 3.2
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