Benchmarking 1997 BMW Z3 versus 1974 Jensen-Healey

A not-too-serious benchmarking of a 97 BMW Z3 versus 74 Jensen Healey.
For a bit of context, see the email message that originally went with this document.

	1997 BMW Z3	1974 Jensen Healey
Esthetics
Vehicle type	2 seater roadster	2 seater roadster
Market segment	Upper middle: priced between Mazda Miata and Jaguar or Mercedes	Middle: priced between '74 MG and '74 Jaguar or Mercedes
Marketing image	German craftsmanship + sporting flair	Last of the hand-built British roadsters
Manufacturing reality	Assembled in North Carolina from mix of BMW 3 series components (various suppliers in U.S. & abroad)	Body concept by Healey. Assembled by Jensen Motors from various Lotus, Chrysler, Vauxhall and Lucas parts
Performance	0-60mph in 8.2 seconds (manual trans)	0-60mph in 8.1* seconds
Engine specifications	BMW 3-series, 1.9 Liters, aluminum alloy, 4 valves/cylinder. Max power = 138 Hp @6000rpm, max torque = 133lb-ft @4300rpm J	Lotus 907, 1.9Liters, aluminum alloy 4 valves/cylinder. Max power = 140 Hp* @6500rpm, max torque = 130 lb-ft @4800 rpm J
Fuel system Mileage	Bosch digital electronic fuel injection ~25 mpg in mixed driving J	Twin Zenith/Stromberg carburettors ~25 mpg in mixed driving K
Drive train Transmission	Front engine rear drive BMW 5-speed manual or 4 speed automatic. Slick crisp shifts J	Front engine rear drive Sunbeam Rapier 4 speed. Some gear whine in 3^rd, L Getrag 5 speed added in '75
Suspension Front Rear Tires	4 wheel independent, strut-type in front, semi-trailing arm rear, anti-sway bars, body vibration dampers J 225-50 x 16" on aluminum alloy wheels	Taken from Vauxhall Firenza: double wishbone front, live axle rear, anti-sway bars front and rear K 205-60 x 13" on aluminum alloy wheels
Weight	2701 lbs (2789 with automatic)	2200 lbs
Brakes	4 wheel disc, ventilated front, ABS J	Front disk, rear drum K
Features: Traction control Antilock brakes Air bags Power steering	Yes Of course Of course Variable assist	Take yer foot off the gas Antilock what? Depends on who's riding Not likely
Maintenance interval	Self-tuning engine, 36K miles J	8K miles for most items L
Reliability	Typical BMW: "much better than average" in Consumer's Union Reports surveys J	Typical British roadster L

*Not clear if it quite meets these numbers when tuned to pass California smog inspection

Disclaimer: I cannot vouch for accuracy of the above data, although they are correct to the best of my knowledge. There are some differences between the European and U.S. versions of both vehicles and I used a mix of U.S. and European documents and web pages.

Remark: Although this table was started purely for amusement purposes, I am now struck by a few observations:

The mechanics (engine, transmission, etc.) and performance specs. haven't changed much in 23 years.
But the electronics and options have -- mostly to make cars safer, cleaner and more reliable.
4 valves/cylinder, aluminum engine was 'exotic' in the early 70's; now it's commonplace.
The above numbers don't capture the very different qualitative feel of a '90s versus a '70s car. The JH feels primitive, with its nonpower steering, heavy shifter and brakes.

Oct 1999 -- An update: So now the BMW Z3 comes standard with a 6 cylinder engine. And finally, after 25 years, I have a family car with an engine that is mechanically more advanced than the Lotus 907. The VW Passat uses the same 1.8T engine as the Audi A4 and TT coupe. With 5 valves per cylinder, turbocharging and fuel injection it gets more power from a smaller package than the Lotus. Like the Lotus it is high-revving, but much smoother!

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