2006 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 BMW X3. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Nissan 350Z. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan 350Z. (354 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan 350Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan 350Z | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 350Z | X3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 2993 cc |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 354 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 67 L |
