1958 BMW 502 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 54 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 502 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1958 BMW 502. (101 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 168 kg more than 1958 BMW 502. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. 2012 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 1958 BMW 502 has manual transmission. 1958 BMW 502 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 502 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 502 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
