2004 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 173 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Nissan 350Z (373 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (228 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | 350Z | Forte |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 287 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1463 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 52 L |
