2006 Ford S-Max vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Ford S-Max 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2006 Ford S-Max. (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford S-Max weights approximately 191 kg more than 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2003 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 2003 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford S-Max, 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford S-Max. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford S-Max.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford S-Max | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | S-Max | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
