Early 350Z v Late 350Z v Early 370Z
Discussion
This has been an excellent thread, with some great discussion 
They did a Skyline 350GT which is basically a four door Z if you've never heard of them. Even more rare, though.
cerb4.5lee said:
Prices do seem to have dropped back down to normal now as you say. At one stage I could've sold the M4 for more than I paid for it(I was still happy with it though so I didn't want to swap it). Whereas the backside has dropped out of the value of it now as expected I guess.
That's good for me then Yorkshire_LY said:
I have an immaculate 2005 350Z DE on 34K miles. Theres nothing really to compare with them in the UK market,i think theyre getting better looking every year admist the sea of modern boring SUVS,and they are rare on the roads.
Yes they are quite heavy,but once you drive in the right rev range they are as quick as any 5.5 sec hot hatch. They do need an aftermarket exhaust,i feel my stock one is too quiet and needs a bit more growl - but that V6 does sound great in the higher revs.
Im trying to look for a 4 seater with more room,which is comparable in looks,perfomance and rarity. And im finding it quite tough!
Yeah I agree, I do like seeing these around. I never find my Z Roadster slow even though it had big heavy 19" wheels on it, and they are heavier than coupes. Yes they are quite heavy,but once you drive in the right rev range they are as quick as any 5.5 sec hot hatch. They do need an aftermarket exhaust,i feel my stock one is too quiet and needs a bit more growl - but that V6 does sound great in the higher revs.
Im trying to look for a 4 seater with more room,which is comparable in looks,perfomance and rarity. And im finding it quite tough!
They did a Skyline 350GT which is basically a four door Z if you've never heard of them. Even more rare, though.
ZX10R NIN said:
For me it would be an early 370Z they're a better overall package & imo they look better too.
I must admit to being really drawn towards the 370s mostly for the way they look. I really do find it a sexy car. However [compared with the 350Z], they're also lighter, more powerful, have allegedly better handling, and better specified. I particularly like the idea of the rev match on the manual. Call me a kid, but... Edited by TameRacingDriver on Saturday 21st January 15:34
The rev match is a fun thing, if you need four seats then lookout for the super rare manual Infiniti (all five of them) G37's, they're not as sharp as the 370 but it ticks the other boxes & the G37 coupes are firmly in the 350Z part of the budget.
Here's a leftfield option.
Skyline 370GT Type SP 55th Anniversary Edition:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266077746291?hash=item3...
Here's a leftfield option.
Skyline 370GT Type SP 55th Anniversary Edition:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266077746291?hash=item3...
TameRacingDriver said:
I must admit to being really drawn towards the 370s mostly for the way they look. I really do find it a sexy car. However [compared with the 350Z], they're also lighter, more powerful, have allegedly better handling, and better specified. I particularly like the idea of the rev match on the manual. Call me a kid, but...
You will get addicted to the rev matching I promise you...especially if the car has a none standard exhaust on it! 
Whenever I've took my mates out in mine they've all commented at how good the rev matching sounds. You just can't help but smile/laugh at it for sure.
Yorkshire_LY said:
300bhp/ton said:
The only real options I can think of are the cars the Nissan was designed to compete against in the N. American market.
Namely the Mustang and to a lesser extent the Camaro/Firebird.
I have a 4th Gen Camaro. It weighs in quite similar to the 350z but a bit faster and more power. But it has 2+2 seating.
The S197 Mustang isn’t quite as sharp as the 350z out of the box. But quite easy to improve. Similar performance. And again the 2+2 seating.
A late SN95 Mustang might also be worth looking at. Specifically the Mach 1 model or the 2003/4 Cobra, aka The Terminator. The Cobra is a lot faster. But a hugely capable machine.
After that you are probably looking at things like XK Jags. But they are heavier and all automatic. Or maybe even a 996 Porsche 911. But you’d have to go older.
I forgot to say around £12K budget hehe. Yeah those Jags do look great VFM. Audi TTS was another,but id have to have the seats down all the time.Namely the Mustang and to a lesser extent the Camaro/Firebird.
I have a 4th Gen Camaro. It weighs in quite similar to the 350z but a bit faster and more power. But it has 2+2 seating.
The S197 Mustang isn’t quite as sharp as the 350z out of the box. But quite easy to improve. Similar performance. And again the 2+2 seating.
A late SN95 Mustang might also be worth looking at. Specifically the Mach 1 model or the 2003/4 Cobra, aka The Terminator. The Cobra is a lot faster. But a hugely capable machine.
After that you are probably looking at things like XK Jags. But they are heavier and all automatic. Or maybe even a 996 Porsche 911. But you’d have to go older.
Finding a 2+2 is not a real problem. Matching the looks is.
There is as already said the G35/350GT and G37. But none of them look as nice as a 350Z. Then if you really want to seat anybody in the back, you can forget the Jaguar XKs. They do look nice and comparable in looks. Some would say better looking. But the rear seats are a joke. As are most coupes. Honestly not sure the G35 and G37 are any better. This is what makes the Camaro, Firebird and Mustang interesting. But you have already turned the nose on them.
So if you really want a 2 door 4 seater it seems you will have to settle for the same boring stuff as everybody. Meaning a BMW or Mercedes 2 doors of some kind.
Shifter1 said:
Interesting that you see a TT as an alternative to a 350Z. I can't see it.
Finding a 2+2 is not a real problem. Matching the looks is.
There is as already said the G35/350GT and G37. But none of them look as nice as a 350Z. Then if you really want to seat anybody in the back, you can forget the Jaguar XKs. They do look nice and comparable in looks. Some would say better looking. But the rear seats are a joke. As are most coupes. Honestly not sure the G35 and G37 are any better. This is what makes the Camaro, Firebird and Mustang interesting. But you have already turned the nose on them.
So if you really want a 2 door 4 seater it seems you will have to settle for the same boring stuff as everybody. Meaning a BMW or Mercedes 2 doors of some kind.
Yeah,i didnt mean a direct alternative,but just a 4 seater option. Focus ST is another,i just find them a bit dull though. GT86 would be a better comparision,but they look underpowered to me. I suppose you can tune them.Finding a 2+2 is not a real problem. Matching the looks is.
There is as already said the G35/350GT and G37. But none of them look as nice as a 350Z. Then if you really want to seat anybody in the back, you can forget the Jaguar XKs. They do look nice and comparable in looks. Some would say better looking. But the rear seats are a joke. As are most coupes. Honestly not sure the G35 and G37 are any better. This is what makes the Camaro, Firebird and Mustang interesting. But you have already turned the nose on them.
So if you really want a 2 door 4 seater it seems you will have to settle for the same boring stuff as everybody. Meaning a BMW or Mercedes 2 doors of some kind.
Yorkshire_LY said:
Shifter1 said:
Interesting that you see a TT as an alternative to a 350Z. I can't see it.
Finding a 2+2 is not a real problem. Matching the looks is.
There is as already said the G35/350GT and G37. But none of them look as nice as a 350Z. Then if you really want to seat anybody in the back, you can forget the Jaguar XKs. They do look nice and comparable in looks. Some would say better looking. But the rear seats are a joke. As are most coupes. Honestly not sure the G35 and G37 are any better. This is what makes the Camaro, Firebird and Mustang interesting. But you have already turned the nose on them.
So if you really want a 2 door 4 seater it seems you will have to settle for the same boring stuff as everybody. Meaning a BMW or Mercedes 2 doors of some kind.
Yeah,i didnt mean a direct alternative,but just a 4 seater option. Focus ST is another,i just find them a bit dull though. GT86 would be a better comparision,but they look underpowered to me. I suppose you can tune them.Finding a 2+2 is not a real problem. Matching the looks is.
There is as already said the G35/350GT and G37. But none of them look as nice as a 350Z. Then if you really want to seat anybody in the back, you can forget the Jaguar XKs. They do look nice and comparable in looks. Some would say better looking. But the rear seats are a joke. As are most coupes. Honestly not sure the G35 and G37 are any better. This is what makes the Camaro, Firebird and Mustang interesting. But you have already turned the nose on them.
So if you really want a 2 door 4 seater it seems you will have to settle for the same boring stuff as everybody. Meaning a BMW or Mercedes 2 doors of some kind.
Talking about dull, so is the TT.
From a financial perspective early 350Zs are increasing in value. You absolutely will not get a sub 100K miler with no expenditure needed for £5K-£6K. That ship has sailed. 370Zs are still falling. Post 23 April 2006 any 350Z or 370Z will cost you double the tax at £600+.
Driving is completely subjective. I'm very happy with the 350Z DE. Interiors are just typically Japanese. Lots of hard plastic that doesn't wear particularly well. On the other hand, most things just keep working, from electric seats to radios and aircon. Self servicing is easy. Parts aren't stupidly expensive and there is good forum knowledge. There are some weak points - best to read up on them on a dedicated forum not here.
I'd get the best early 350Z you can afford. If money matters, keep an eye on 370Zs until they hit the bottom of their curve then buy the best you can. The VED may always irritate though. I think they are the best value, best looking, relatively rare and fairly powerful sports car out there.
Driving is completely subjective. I'm very happy with the 350Z DE. Interiors are just typically Japanese. Lots of hard plastic that doesn't wear particularly well. On the other hand, most things just keep working, from electric seats to radios and aircon. Self servicing is easy. Parts aren't stupidly expensive and there is good forum knowledge. There are some weak points - best to read up on them on a dedicated forum not here.
I'd get the best early 350Z you can afford. If money matters, keep an eye on 370Zs until they hit the bottom of their curve then buy the best you can. The VED may always irritate though. I think they are the best value, best looking, relatively rare and fairly powerful sports car out there.
300bhp/ton said:
Yorkshire_LY said:
I actually prefer the interior in the 350Z,just looks a bit 'cleaner'....i think the 370Z interior looks very dated now,for a car which you can spend well over £20K on a nismo one,and they kept building them until 2020.
Dated to what though?
The 370Z interior is not bad. The bad bits are all those hard plastics shining through. Sure that red and black interior looks tasteless to me. But that can be spec'ed differently. The plastics can't. But the real problem I have with the 370Z is the childish exterior design. If it wasn't so stubby and fat and didn't have those dreadful kindergartener designed headlights and taillights, it would look much better IMO. The 350Z is svelte in comparison and can look elegant if you don't slap ridiculously large wheels on them, tacky body kits and other things. The 370Z will always look crass to me. I appreciate it might drive nicely and be fun. I just can't get pass the looks.
300bhp/ton said:
Dated to what though?
Well that pic makes it look better haha. I just meant they never changed it right up to 2020. Id still rather have that interior than the terrible modern cars with the ipads etc.I agree with the previous post that the 350Z can look more 'elegant' than the 370Z, if its more or less stock with the rays. The problem with the 350Z is there are so many cheap sub £6k modded ones out there,with plastic body kits,it cheapens the overall image of them.
Nissan shortened the 370Z,and im not sure if it worked. Having said all that,i think a pearl white 370Z Nismo is probably the best looking of the lot hehe.
Shifter1 said:
I think it only looks dated to people who likes the current ipad interiors. I particularly hate them and find them so tacky. Blame Tesla! Give me a nice set of analog dials anytime in a sports car.
The 370Z interior is not bad. The bad bits are all those hard plastics shining through. Sure that red and black interior looks tasteless to me. But that can be spec'ed differently. The plastics can't. But the real problem I have with the 370Z is the childish exterior design. If it wasn't so stubby and fat and didn't have those dreadful kindergartener designed headlights and taillights, it would look much better IMO. The 350Z is svelte in comparison and can look elegant if you don't slap ridiculously large wheels on them, tacky body kits and other things. The 370Z will always look crass to me. I appreciate it might drive nicely and be fun. I just can't get pass the looks.
I agree,only do subtle things to the 350Z - ive only sprayed my Rays a shadow chrome (much better imo) and thats it so far. I do think they look better a little bit lowered rather than stock height. The front end headlights look better on a 350,although i do like the slightly more aggressive rear to the 370.The 370Z interior is not bad. The bad bits are all those hard plastics shining through. Sure that red and black interior looks tasteless to me. But that can be spec'ed differently. The plastics can't. But the real problem I have with the 370Z is the childish exterior design. If it wasn't so stubby and fat and didn't have those dreadful kindergartener designed headlights and taillights, it would look much better IMO. The 350Z is svelte in comparison and can look elegant if you don't slap ridiculously large wheels on them, tacky body kits and other things. The 370Z will always look crass to me. I appreciate it might drive nicely and be fun. I just can't get pass the looks.
One of the few cars to 'benefit' from the VED changes to a flat rate in 2017 was the 370Z. With a list price under the £40k penalty tariff, they are £165 p.a. instead of £630 for a '66 reg one. Not such an issue for a car over £20k at the moment but will be in the future. Not sure about Nismo models though. 
I don't mind the front and rear lights on the 370Z, however I can understand why many don't like them though. I think the majority definitely do seem to prefer the way that the 350Z looks for sure. I've always liked the way that the 350Z looks as well, although it does look a bit dated to my eyes in some ways now I reckon.
300bhp/ton said:
Yorkshire_LY said:
I actually prefer the interior in the 350Z,just looks a bit 'cleaner'....i think the 370Z interior looks very dated now,for a car which you can spend well over £20K on a nismo one,and they kept building them until 2020.
Dated to what though?Om said:
300bhp/ton said:
Yorkshire_LY said:
I actually prefer the interior in the 350Z,just looks a bit 'cleaner'....i think the 370Z interior looks very dated now,for a car which you can spend well over £20K on a nismo one,and they kept building them until 2020.
Dated to what though?Yorkshire_LY said:
The problem with the 350Z is there are so many cheap sub £6k modded ones out there,with plastic body kits,it cheapens the overall image of them.
To be fair this is a problem with any modified car, because the truth is, few people have good taste or sense or could be car designers. Most just go overboard because of the "more is always better" culture we live in. So the more into "mod culture" a car model is, the more examples will suffer. Japanese and Korean cars are deep into mods. As are many performance cars. So we will see more tacky Civics or Hondas in general, Toyotas, 3-series and BMWs in general, Mustangs and Camaros than estates and minivans. And of course also price. The cheaper the car the more people get their hands on it, the more people can mess them up. All the tacky Vauxhalls, VWs and Fords out there. When cars that are performance cars also get cheap because they are old, you double down on this. All those poor 350Zs.
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