2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 8 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 730 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.
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 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 2011 BMW 550 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. 2011 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 350Z | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
