Car comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0ivsNissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.0i

286 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1992-1995
VS

Nissan 300 ZX (Z32)

3.0 Twin Turbo

283 hp2960 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedCoupe1990-1995

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Fastest top speed
    265 km/h
    165 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    286 hp
    213 kW
  • Lightest
    1,460 kg
    3,219 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    196 hp/t
    146 kW/t
    5.1 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best overall score
    60/100
  • Best performance score
    63/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iNissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Power
286hp213kW
283hp211kW
Torque
320Nm236lb-ft
375Nm277lb-ft
Curb weight
1,460kg3,219lb
1,644kg3,624lb
Gross weight
1,930kg4,255lb
2,015kg4,442lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
80.8s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
81.6s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.0s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
20.8s
Calculated
21.5s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.7s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
14.0s
Calculated
14.0s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
196hp/t146kW/t89hp/1000 lb
Calculated
172hp/t128kW/t78hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
219Nm/t147lb-ft/ton
Calculated
228Nm/t153lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
625km388mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,990cc182cu in
2,960cc181cu in
Length
4,433mm175in
4,520mm178in
Width
1,710mm67in
1,800mm71in
Height
1,335mm53in
1,255mm49in
Wheelbase
2,700mm106in
2,570mm101in
Front track
1,422mm56in
1,495mm59in
Rear track
1,444mm57in
1,555mm61in
Ground clearance
110mm4in
-
Trunk volume
405L
326L
Doors
2
2
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
65L
70L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0iNissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin TurboPowerTorque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: Power / Torque
  • Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i7,000 rpm3,600 rpm7,250 rpm
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo6,400 rpm3,600 rpm6,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iNissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.7 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.0 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.8 s
21.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
6.2 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.2 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.9 s
11.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.0 s
14.0 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
167 km/h
104 mph
166 km/h
103 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
283 hp
211 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i has 3 hp more than Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo.

The biggest power difference is between Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: 3 hp (2 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
375 Nm
277 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
1,644 kg
3,624 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i6.0 s
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo5.9 s

Although BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i has more power, Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i and Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo: 2.1 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
714 km
444 mi
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
625 km
388 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
286 hp
213 kW
6.0 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
283 hp
211 kW
5.9 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Power
283 hp
211 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
326 L
11.5 cu ft
Length
4,520 mm
178.0 in
Height
1,255 mm
49.4 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h6.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Power
283 hp
211 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.0 s
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
5.9 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0i
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Nissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.0iNissan300 ZX (Z32)3.0 Twin Turbo
Power
286 hp
213 kW
283 hp
211 kW
Torque
320 Nm
236 lb-ft
375 Nm
277 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.0 s
5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
1,644 kg
3,624 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 seats
Trunk
326 L
11.5 cu ft
Length
4,520 mm
178.0 in
Height
1,255 mm
49.4 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
625 km
388 mi
Trunk score
405 L
14.3 cu ft
326 L
11.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
196 hp/t
146 kW/t
5.1 kg/hp
172 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0iNissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km19.60 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi31.54 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year2,940 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i

  • Has 3 hp more
  • Is 184 kg lighter
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 24 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 89 km (55 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 79 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h

Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo

  • Has 55 Nm more
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest torque

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.0i
Nissan 300 ZX (Z32) 3.0 Twin Turbo
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2 vehicles selected

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