2001 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2003 Nissan 350Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 318 would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2001 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 62 kg more than 2001 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 318. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
