1996 BMW 316 vs. 2009 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 350Z is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 316 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 350Z (309 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316.
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 350Z (358 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 2009 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 316 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1340 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
