1986 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 325 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1986 BMW 325. (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 304 kg more than 1986 BMW 325. 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 325. (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 325 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
