2003 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 110 kg more than 2012 Porsche 911.
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 Porsche 911 (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Nissan | Porsche |
| Model | 350Z | 911 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
