BMW Z3 vs BMW Z8
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 BMW Z8
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 2.5i | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2002 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $31,300 (best) | $131,500 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 15 MPG |
| City MPG | 18 MPG (best) | 12 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 25 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 13.5 gal | 19.3 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 394 hp (best) |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 368 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 4.9 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I6 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | — | 5.1 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,899 lbs (best) | 3,495 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 96.3 in | 98.6 in (best) |
| Length | 159.4 in | 173.2 in (best) |
| Width | 68.5 in | 72 in (best) |
| Height | 50.9 in | 51.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z32.5i | BMW Z8Base |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z3 | BMW Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.5i $31,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $131,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.0i $37,700 MSRP | — |
| 3 | 3.0i $37,900 MSRP | — |
| 4 | M $44,990 MSRP | — |
| 5 | M $45,990 MSRP | — |
BMW Z3 vs BMW Z8 FAQ
- Which is better: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2003 BMW Z8?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2002 BMW Z3 vs 2003 BMW Z8 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2003 BMW Z8?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 BMW Z3 starts lower at $31,300.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2003 BMW Z8?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (31,300).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2003 BMW Z8?
- The 2002 BMW Z3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2002 BMW Z3 or 2003 BMW Z8?
- The 2003 BMW Z8 leads on horsepower in this comparison (394).