1988 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 75 kg more than 2012 BMW 118. 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 300 ZX | 118 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2660 mm |
