2002 BMW 318 vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 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 163 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 228 kg more than 2002 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 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
