2009 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 138 more horse power than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (276 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan 350Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 310 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan 350Z. (372 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan 350Z. 2005 Nissan 350Z has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Nissan 350Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | BMW | Nissan |
| Model | M3 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 80 L |
