2006 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 3 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Nissan 350Z. (283 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 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.
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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (371 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 371 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
