1992 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1316 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 72 L |
