2008 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 5 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 99 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (166 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 240 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Honda Civic, 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 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (156 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Honda | Nissan |
| Model | Civic | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 3490 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.4 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
