2007 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 BMW 318
To start off, 2012 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 2012 BMW 318. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 318 weights approximately 241 kg more than 2007 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2012 BMW 318 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 2012 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z, 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, 2007 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 318. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Nissan 350Z | 2012 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 350Z | 318 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 57 L |
