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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 235 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. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 155 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 2012 Porsche 911 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan 350Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 will offer significantly more control. 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 (650 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 287 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 | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 650 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
