2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2009 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 350Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet SSR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet SSR would be higher. At 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 444 kg more than 2009 Nissan 350Z.
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 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan 350Z. 2003 Chevrolet SSR has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2009 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | SSR | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2660 mm |
