1976 Nissan 260 ZX vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 236 kg more than 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. 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. Let's talk about torque, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1976 Nissan 260 ZX has manual transmission. 1976 Nissan 260 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Nissan 260 ZX | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 260 ZX | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2565 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1164 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2450 mm |
