2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 9 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 83 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520.
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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Nissan 350Z | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Nissan | BMW |
Model | 350Z | 520 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3490 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 265 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 363 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |