1990 Nissan 300 ZX vs. 2011 BMW Z4
To start off, 2011 BMW Z4 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. (279 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW Z4 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1990 Nissan 300 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, 2011 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan 300 ZX. 2011 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1990 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1990 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Nissan 300 ZX | 2011 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 300 ZX | Z4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2960 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 279 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2497 mm |
