Compare the2022 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2020 Nissan 370Z

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission and Drivetrain
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Model Availability

Safety

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The 8 Series’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The 370Z doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW 8 Series has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The 370Z doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The 8 Series has standard City Collision Mitigation, which use forward mounted sensors to warn the driver of a possible collision ahead. If the driver doesn’t react and the system determines a collision is imminent, it automatically applies the brakes at full-force in order to reduce the force of the crash or avoid it altogether. The 370Z doesn't offer collision warning or crash mitigation brakes.

The 8 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The 370Z doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The 8 Series offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The 370Z doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The 8 Series’ lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. The 370Z doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The 8 Series’ optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. The 370Z doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 8 Series’ optional cross-path warning system uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The 370Z doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

The 8 Series’ driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The 370Z doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Compared to metal, the 8 Series’ plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Nissan 370Z has a metal gas tank.

The 8 Series has standard BMW Assist, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The 370Z doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the 8 Series and the 370Z have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The BMW 8 Series weighs 476 to 1403 pounds more than the Nissan 370Z. The NHTSA advises that heavier cars are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Warranty

The 8 Series comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The 370Z’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

The 8 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the 370Z’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 8 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the 370Z.

Reliability

The battery on the 8 Series is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 8 Series’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The 370Z’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 8 Series first among large premium cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The 370Z isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 20 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 21st.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 1 place higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The 840i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 3 more horsepower (335 vs. 332) and 98 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 270) than the 370Z’s standard 3.7 DOHC V6. The 840i’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 92 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 276) than the 370Z NISMO’s standard 3.7 DOHC V6. The M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 173 more horsepower (523 vs. 350) and 277 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 276) than the 370Z NISMO’s standard 3.7 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the M850i 4.4 turbo V8 is faster than the Nissan 370Z (base engine) (automatics tested):

	8 Series	370Z
Zero to 60 MPH	3.3 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter Mile	11.5 sec	13.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	123 MPH	108 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Coupe gets better fuel mileage than the 370Z:

			MPG
8 Series Coupe
	RWD	3.0 Turbo 6-cyl.	23 city/30 hwy
	AWD	3.0 Turbo 6-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy
370Z
	Manual	3.7 DOHC V6	17 city/26 hwy
	Auto	3.7 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
		Roadster 3.7 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy

On the EPA test cycle the 8 Series Convertible gets better fuel mileage than the 370Z:

			MPG
8 Series Convertible
	RWD	3.0 Turbo 6-cyl.	22 city/29 hwy
	AWD	3.0 Turbo 6-cyl.	20 city/27 hwy
370Z
	Manual	3.7 DOHC V6	17 city/26 hwy
	Auto	3.7 DOHC V6	19 city/26 hwy
		Roadster 3.7 DOHC V6	18 city/25 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the 8 Series’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 370Z doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stop lights the 8 Series’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The 370Z doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The BMW 8 Series comes standard with an automatic transmission, for driver comfort, especially in the city. Automatic costs extra on the 370Z.

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the BMW 8 Series, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a seven-speed automatic is available for the 370Z.

All wheel drive, available in the 8 Series, provides the best traction for acceleration in wet, dry, and icy conditions. In corners, all wheel drive allows both outside wheels to provide power, balancing the car. This allows for better handling. The Nissan 370Z is not available with all wheel drive.

The 8 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The 370Z doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 8 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the 370Z:

	8 Series 840i	8 Series	370Z	370Z Sport/NISMO
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	12.6 inches	14 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	15.7 inches	12.6 inches	13.8 inches

The 8 Series stops shorter than the 370Z:

	8 Series	370Z
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	163 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	107 feet	111 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 8 Series has larger tires than the 370Z (F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20 vs. F:225/50R18 & R:245/45R18).

The 8 Series’ standard 245/40R19 front and 275/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 370Z’s standard 50 series front and 45 series rear tires. The 8 Series’ optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the 370Z Sport/Sport Touring’s 40 series front and 35 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 8 Series has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the 370Z. The 8 Series’ optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the 370Z Sport/Sport Touring.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 8 Series can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 370Z doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

Suspension and Handling

The 8 Series has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The 370Z’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The 8 Series M850i has active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The 370Z doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The M850i offers an available active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Nissan doesn’t offer an active suspension on the 370Z.

The 8 Series has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The 370Z’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 8 Series’ wheelbase is 10.7 inches longer than on the 370Z (111.1 inches vs. 100.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 8 Series is 3.4 inches wider in the front and 2.8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the 370Z.

The M850i xDrive Coupe handles at .99 G’s, while the 370Z pulls only .91 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M850i xDrive Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the 370Z (24 seconds @ .84 average G’s vs. 25.9 seconds @ .7 average G’s).

Chassis

The front grille of the 8 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The 370Z doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The 8 Series has standard seating for 4 passengers; the 370Z can only carry 2.

The 8 Series has 29.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the 370Z (81 vs. 51.6).

The 8 Series Coupe has .7 inches more front headroom and 2.8 inches more front shoulder room than the 370Z.

Cargo Capacity

The 8 Series Coupe has a much larger trunk than the 370Z (14.8 vs. 6.9 cubic feet).

With its coupe body style, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 8 Series offers cargo security. The 370Z’s hatchback body style and non-lockable remote release defeat cargo security.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 8 Series’ power trunk can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The 370Z doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

Servicing Ease

The 8 Series uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The 370Z uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 17th.

Ergonomics

The 8 Series has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The 370Z doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the 8 Series has a power telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The 370Z doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

When two different drivers share the 8 Series, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver and front passenger’s seat positions, steering wheel position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The 370Z doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 8 Series’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The 370Z doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The 8 Series has a standard heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The 370Z doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 8 Series’ power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The 370Z has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The 8 Series’ rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The 370Z’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the 8 Series detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The 370Z doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the 8 Series has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The 370Z doesn’t offer cornering lights. The 8 Series also has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The 8 Series’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Nissan only offers heated mirrors on the 370Z Sport/Sport Touring/NISMO.

When the 8 Series is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The 370Z’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The 8 Series’ standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The 370Z has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the 8 Series keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The 370Z doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the 8 Series’ standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The 370Z doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The 8 Series’ standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The 370Z doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 8 Series offers an optional Active Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The 370Z doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Model Availability

The BMW 8 Series comes in coupe, convertible and sedan bodystyles; the Nissan 370Z isn’t available as a convertible or sedan.