2003 BMW 318 vs. 1984 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 200 kg more than 2003 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 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan 300 ZX. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1984 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1984 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1984 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 318 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2530 mm |
