2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 325 kg more than 2011 BMW 120. 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120. 2011 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | 350Z | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| 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 | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 53 L |
