Compare the2004 Nissan 350ZVS 2004 BMW Z4

The 350Z Coupe offers available head airbag curtains which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and passenger’s upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The Z4 doesn’t offer side airbag protection for the head.

Both the 350Z and the Z4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the Nissan 350Z is safer than the Z4:

More stars indicate a better overall result. Lower numbers indicate better individual test results.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 38.5 MPH side impact tests on new cars. In this test, results indicate that the 350Z is safer than the Z4:

More stars indicate a better chance of avoiding serious injuries. Lower numbers indicate better actual numeric test results.

Nissan’s powertrain warranty covers the 350Z 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the Z4. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years and 60,000 miles. Coverage on the Z4 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 350Z’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 103 more horsepower (287 vs. 184) and 99 lbs.-ft. more torque (274 vs. 175) than the Z4 2.5i’s standard 2.5 DOHC 6 cyl. The 350Z’s 3.5 DOHC V6 produces 62 more horsepower (287 vs. 225) and 60 lbs.-ft. more torque (274 vs. 214) than the Z4 3.0i’s standard 3.0 DOHC 6 cyl.

As tested in Motor Trend the Nissan 350Z is faster than the Z4 3.0i 3.0 DOHC 6 cyl. (manual transmissions tested):

The 350Z has 5.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Z4 (20 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the 350Z’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Z4:

The 350Z’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Z4 2.5i are solid, not vented.

For better traction and acceleration, the 350Z has larger standard rear tires than the Z4 (235/50R17 vs. 225/50R16).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 350Z has standard 17 inch wheels. Smaller 16 inch wheels are standard on the Z4 2.5i.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 350Z’s wheelbase is 6.1 inches longer than on the Z4 (104.3 vs. 98.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 350Z is 2.4 inches wider in the front and .7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the Z4.

The 350Z Touring Roadster goes through Road & Track’s slalom faster than the Z4 3.0i (67.2 vs. 67 MPH).

As tested by Road & Track while at idle, the interior of the 350Z Touring Roadster is quieter than the Z4 3.0i (47 vs. 48 dB).

The 350Z Roadster has 4.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z4 (51.8 vs. 47.6).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the 350Z. The Z4 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

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 Z4 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 350Z’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the Z4’s standard power windows.

The 350Z’s front power windows raise and lower automatically with one touch, especially convenient at tollbooths or drive-up windows. Only the driver’s window of the Z4 works automatically with one touch.

To improve comfort and visibility, the 350Z Coupe (late availability) has standard pull-out visor extensions that block glare better. The Z4 doesn’t offer any similar feature.

The Nissan 350Z comes in both 2dr hatchback and convertible bodystyles; the BMW Z4 isn’t available as a 2dr hatchback.