2011 Nissan Maxima vs. 2012 BMW Z4
To start off, 2012 BMW Z4 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Maxima. (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 7 kg more than 2012 BMW Z4.
Because 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Maxima | 2012 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Nissan | BMW |
| Model | Maxima | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1617 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4841 mm | 4242 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1468 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2497 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
