Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 66 advantages that the BMW 3 Series Coupe has over the Nissan 370Z Coupe.

Engine

The 3 Series Coupe's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the 370Z Coupe's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:

			RPM's to Peak Torque		RPM's to Peak HP
	3 Series Coupe 328i 3.0L I6		2750		6500
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive 3.0L I6		2750		6500
	3 Series Coupe 335i 3.0L I6		1300		5800
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive 3.0L I6		1300		5800
	3 Series Coupe 335is 3.0L I6		1500		5900
	370Z Coupe Base 3.7L V6		5200		7000
	370Z Coupe Touring 3.7L V6		5200		7000
	370Z Coupe Nismo 3.7L V6		5200		7400

The standard engines in the 3 Series Coupe have more torque (low-end power) than those in the 370Z Coupe, as detailed by trim and engine below:

			Torque
	3 Series Coupe 335i 3.0L I6		300 lb-ft
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive 3.0L I6		300 lb-ft
	3 Series Coupe 335is 3.0L I6		332 lb-ft
	370Z Coupe Base 3.7L V6		270 lb-ft
	370Z Coupe Nismo 3.7L V6		276 lb-ft
	370Z Coupe Touring 3.7L V6		270 lb-ft

Transmission

The Optional adaptive automatic transmission in the 3 Series Coupe is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe Nismo.

The 3 Series Coupe has a Optional manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe Nismo.

Basic Warranty

BMW's basic warranty provides better coverage than Nissan's. It covers everything except items subject to wear and tear (oil filters, wiper blades, etc.).

			Basic Warranty Months		Basic Warranty Miles
	3 Series Coupe		48		50000
	370Z Coupe		36		36000

Corrosion Warranty

BMW's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Nissan's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Months
	3 Series Coupe		144
	370Z Coupe		60

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The 3 Series Coupe is more fuel efficient than the 370Z Coupe. Superior fuel efficiency makes the 3 Series Coupe both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the 370Z Coupe.

			Fuel Economy Hwy		Fuel Economy City
	3 Series Coupe 328i 3.0L I6		28 mpg.		-
	3 Series Coupe 335i 3.0L I6		28 mpg.		19 mpg.
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive 3.0L I6		27 mpg.		19 mpg.
	370Z Coupe		26 mpg.		18 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the 3 Series Coupe is less than the base MSRP on the 370Z Coupe as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	3 Series Coupe 328i		38,700
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		40,400
	370Z Coupe Nismo		41,290

Airbags

Both the 3 Series Coupe and the 370Z Coupe feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The 3 Series Coupe is heavier than the 370Z Coupe, shown below by trim level and transmission type:

			Curb Weight MT		Curb Weight AT
	3 Series Coupe 328i		3362 lbs.		3,428 lbs.
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		3583 lbs.		3,627 lbs.
	3 Series Coupe 335i		3560 lbs.		3,582 lbs.
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		3582 lbs.		3,759 lbs.
	3 Series Coupe 335is		3571 lbs.		3,593 lbs.
	370Z Coupe Base		3245 lbs.		3,283 lbs.
	370Z Coupe Touring		3291 lbs.		3,329 lbs.
	370Z Coupe Nismo		3314 lbs.		-

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The 3 Series Coupe is longer than the 370Z Coupe, as shown below:

			Length
	3 Series Coupe		181.9 in.
	370Z Coupe Base		167.2 in.
	370Z Coupe Nismo		173.4 in.
	370Z Coupe Touring		167.2 in.

The 3 Series Coupe features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:

			Driveline
	3 Series Coupe		AWD
	370Z Coupe		RWD

An anti-theft stereo is offered as a Standard feature on the 3 Series Coupe. This provides a strong theft deterrent, as the radio is disabled and rendered useless when removed from the vehicle. This anti-theft feature is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe come with an Optional vehicle theft tracking/notification system that can assist authorities to track and pin-point vehicle location in the event of theft. This type of theft tracking system is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe 335is has a Standard rear spoiler, which creates additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. A rear spoiler is Optional on the 370Z Coupe (Base, Touring).

The 3 Series Coupe has Standard cornering lights, which are activated with the turn signals, to provide additional lighting in the direction the vehicle is turning. These lights are Not Available on the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the 370Z Coupe.

For improved driving safety in inclement weather, the 3 Series Coupe features Standard windshield wiper activated headlights - a system that automatically activates the parking lights and headlights after the wipers have been turned on. This feature is Not Available on the 370Z Coupe.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, multiple-vehicle daytime crashes account for about half of all police-reported crashes in the United States. Numerous studies have shown that daytime running lights - low intensity lights that make vehicles more visible during daylight hours - reduce daytime accidents as much as 11%. Daytime running lights are a Standard feature on the 3 Series Coupe but Optional on the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe has Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the 370Z Coupe.

Interior Space

The 3 Series Coupe has a greater standard seating capacity, with room for 4 passengers. The 370Z Coupe can only accommodate 2 passengers.

The 3 Series Coupe has more interior space than the 370Z Coupe in the following areas:

			Shoulder Room, Front		Head Room, Front
	3 Series Coupe		55.3 in.		38.4 in.
	370Z Coupe		54.4 in.		38.2 in.

Cargo Space

The 3 Series Coupe has 11.0 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 6.9 cu. ft. in the 370Z Coupe. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

The 3 Series Coupe has a Standard rear seat pass through, allowing very long items, like snow skis to be transported inside the vehicle. A rear seat pass through is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe features a Standard second row folding seat for increased cargo space. A second row folding seat is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

Standard second row fold-down armrests provide a place for the second row passengers to to rest their forearms for added comfort. Second row fold-down armrests are Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

Chassis

The 3 Series Coupe's wheelbase is longer than the 370Z Coupe's, 108.7 in. vs. 100.4 in., producing a smoother ride and more stable handling.

The 3 Series Coupe is narrower than the 370Z Coupe, 70.2 in. vs. 72.6 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the 3 Series Coupe may provide better handling capability than those on the 370Z Coupe. Details below:

			Tire Aspect Ratio
	3 Series Coupe 328i		45
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		45
	3 Series Coupe 335i		45
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		45
	3 Series Coupe 335is		40
	370Z Coupe		50

The 3 Series Coupe come with Standard self sealing/run flat tires, allowing drivers to continue driving, and reach assistance, in the event of a tire puncture. Self sealing/run flat tires are Not Available on the 370Z Coupe.

Additional Features

A multi-adjustable power driver seat allows drivers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is more commonly found in the 3 Series Coupe than the 370Z Coupe, as shown below:

			Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	3 Series Coupe 328i		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 335i		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335is		Standard
	370Z Coupe		Not Available

A multi-adjustable power passenger seat, allowing passengers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort, is more commonly found in the 3 Series Coupe than the 370Z Coupe, as shown below:

			Passenger Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	3 Series Coupe 328i		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 335i		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335is		Standard
	370Z Coupe		Not Available

A front power memory seat is a convenience feature that allows the driver to store their customized seating position then conveniently activate it when they get into the vehicle. This feature is more commonly found in the 3 Series Coupe than the 370Z Coupe, as shown below:

			Front Power Memory Seat
	3 Series Coupe 328i		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 335i		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335is		Standard
	370Z Coupe		Not Available

The 3 Series Coupe features Optional power front lumbar support giving the occupant precise control over their lower back support. Power front lumbar support is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

A heated front seat is Optional in the 3 Series Coupe, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe (Base, Nismo).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Optional in the 3 Series Coupe but is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe (Base, Nismo).

The 3 Series Coupe features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe (Base, Nismo).

The 3 Series Coupe features Standard dual-zone climate controls, allowing the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. Dual-zone climate controls are Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive) allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

The 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive) features Standard genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the 370Z Coupe.

With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the 3 Series Coupe than in the 370Z Coupe, as shown below:

			Power Sunroof
	3 Series Coupe 328i		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 328i xDrive		Optional
	3 Series Coupe 335i		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335i xDrive		Standard
	3 Series Coupe 335is		Standard
	370Z Coupe		Not Available