2004 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2004 Nissan 350Z. (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Nissan 350Z. (372 Nm). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan 350Z | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 350Z | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3507 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 287 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
