2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 140 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX. (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan 300 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2530 mm |
