1998 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 315 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
