1996 BMW 540 vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2011 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan 370Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan 370Z. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2011 Nissan 370Z has manual transmission. 2011 Nissan 370Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 540 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
