1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1972 Nissan Fairlady
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Nissan Fairlady is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Fairlady. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1972 Nissan Fairlady. 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (180 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Fairlady. (175 Nm). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Fairlady.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1972 Nissan Fairlady | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | Z3 | Fairlady |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
