Compare the2004 Nissan 350ZVS 2004 BMW M3

Both the 350Z and the M3 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, head airbags, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the 350Z 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the M3. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Coverage on the M3 ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 3 times as many Nissan dealers as there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the 350Z’s warranty.

The M3’s redline is at 8000 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The 350Z has a 6600 RPM redline.

The 350Z’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 12 lbs.-ft. more torque (274 vs. 262) than the M3’s 3.2 DOHC 6 cyl.

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the 350Z’s engine produces its peak horsepower at lower RPM’s than the M3 (6200 vs. 7900).

The Nissan 350Z gets better fuel mileage than the M3:

The 350Z has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the M3 (20 vs. 16.6 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 350Z Track Coupe handles at .88 G’s, while the M3 Coupe pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 350Z Touring Roadster handles at .88 G’s, while the M3 Convertible pulls only .81 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 350Z Touring Coupe goes through Motor Trend’s slalom 1.2 MPH faster than the M3 Coupe (67.8 vs. 66.6 MPH).

The Nissan 350Z may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 250 to 300 pounds less than the BMW M3.

The 350Z is 7.5 inches shorter than the M3, making the 350Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the Nissan 350Z amounts to more than styling. The 350Z offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .3 to .34 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is lower than the M3 (.33 to .35). A more efficient exterior helps the 350Z go faster and keeps the interior quieter. It also helps the 350Z get better fuel mileage.

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the 350Z Touring Roadster is quieter than the M3 Coupe (47 vs. 54 dB).

The 350Z Coupe has .7 inches more front headroom and .9 inches more front legroom than the M3 Coupe.

The 350Z Convertible has .8 inches more front headroom and .9 inches more front legroom than the M3 Convertible.

The 350Z’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M3 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 350Z’s standard power window controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The M3’s available power window controls are spread out on the center console where they can’t be seen without the driver completely removing his eyes from the road.

To improve comfort and visibility, the 350Z Coupe (late availability) has standard pull-out visor extensions that block glare better. The M3 doesn’t offer any similar feature.

Insurance will cost less for the 350Z owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 350Z will cost $3385 to $3950 less than the M3 over a five year period.