2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 4 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
Because 2008 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 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Nissan | Chevrolet |
| Model | 350Z | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 59 L |
