2003 BMW 530 vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. 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 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. 2003 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1988 Nissan 300 ZX has manual transmission. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | 530 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2530 mm |
