2003 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2011 Nissan 370Z. (332 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan 370Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 193 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 2011 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
