2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2005 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 2 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (170 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 233 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. 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, 2005 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Vibe. (172 Nm). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 2005 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Nissan | Pontiac |
| Model | 350Z | Vibe |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 49 L |
