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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 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 215 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 (364 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1893 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
