1998 BMW 320 vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 251 kg more than 1998 BMW 320. 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 320 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
