2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

To start off, 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 5,326 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix (290 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 195 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix (441 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Nissan 350Z 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
Make Nissan Pontiac
Model 350Z Grand Prix
Year Released 2003 2004
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3490 cc 5326 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 265 HP 290 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 5200 RPM
Torque 363 Nm 441 Nm
Torque RPM 4800 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 95.5 mm 96 mm
Engine Stroke Size 81.4 mm 92 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.3:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1490 kg 1685 kg
Vehicle Length 4310 mm 5060 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2630 mm 2760 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 L 64 L