1996 BMW 520 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 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 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 159 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520.
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 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2009 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 520 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 309 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
