Compare the2024 BMW 8 SeriesVS 2024 Nissan Z

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

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 Z 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 Z doesn’t offer knee airbags.

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 Z 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.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 8 Series offers an optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Z doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

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

The 8 Series offers an optional Surround View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Z only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the 8 Series and the Z 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, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

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 Z’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 Z’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, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Z.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 8 Series first among large premium cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The Z isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Nissan is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

Engine

The 840i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 19 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 350) than the Z’s standard 3.0 turbo V6. The M850i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 103 more horsepower (523 vs. 420) and 169 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 384) than the Z NISMO’s standard 3.0 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the M850i 4.4 turbo V8 is faster than the Z NISMO (automatics tested):

	8 Series	Z
Zero to 60 MPH	3.4 sec	4.2 sec
Quarter Mile	11.7 sec	12.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	120.4 MPH	113.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

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

			MPG
8 Series Coupe
RWD	Auto	3.0 turbo 6-cyl.	21 city/29 hwy
AWD	Auto	3.0 turbo 6-cyl.	21 city/29 hwy
Z
RWD	Manual	3.0 turbo V6	18 city/24 hwy
	Auto	3.0 turbo V6	19 city/28 hwy
		NISMO 3.0 turbo V6	17 city/24 hwy

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

In heavy traffic or at stoplights 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 Z doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 8 Series has 1.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the Z (18 vs. 16.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Drivetrain

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 Z is not available with all wheel drive.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	8 Series 840i	8 Series	Z Sport	Z NISMO
Front Rotors	13.7 inches	15.6 inches	12.6 inches	15 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	15.7 inches	12.1 inches	13.8 inches

The 8 Series stops shorter than the Z:

	8 Series	Z
70 to 0 MPH	161 feet	166 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	107 feet	110 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction and acceleration, the 8 Series has larger rear tires than the Z (275/30R20 vs. 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 Z Sport’s standard 45 series 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 Z Performance’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 Z Sport. The 8 Series’ optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the Z Performance.

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 Z 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 Z’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 Z 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 Z.

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 Z’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 Z (111.1 inches vs. 100.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 8 Series is 2.6 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Z.

The 8 Series’ front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.3% to 49.7%) than the Z’s (56.4% to 43.6%). This gives the 8 Series more stable handling and braking.

The M850i xDrive Coupe handles at .99 G’s, while the Z Performance pulls only .93 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M850i xDrive Coupe executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Z Performance (24 seconds @ .84 average G’s vs. 25.3 seconds @ .74 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 Z doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

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

The 8 Series has 29.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Z (81 vs. 51.4).

The 8 Series Coupe has .7 inches more front headroom and 3 inches more front shoulder room than the Z.

Cargo Capacity

The 8 Series Coupe has a much larger trunk than the Z (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 Z’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 Z 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 Z 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 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 17% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 18th.

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 Z doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

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 Z 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 Z 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 Z 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 Z 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.

If the windows are left open on the 8 Series the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Z can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 8 Series’ standard Comfort Access allow you to unlock the doors from either outside door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Intelligent Key standard on the Z doesn’t offer a sensor on the trunk.

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 Z’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the 8 Series has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Z 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 Z Performance/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 Z’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 Z 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 Z 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 Z 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 Z doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 8 Series has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Z doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 8 Series’ optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Z doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Model Availability

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

Recommendations

The BMW 8 Series outsold the Nissan Z by over three to one during 2023.