1988 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 370Z is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 354 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 2009 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2009 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 3699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
