Early 350Z v Late 350Z v Early 370Z
Discussion
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
I wrote a big old reply but managed to lose it before submitting. Classic.
In short, I really rate 350s, especially for the money - I’m on my second after having a lot of spicier more expensive stuff in between. I think they’re an excellent all-round package, and with a few select modifications really sharpen & wake up into a fun fast road / track car.
2007 HR’d engine cars are the best, come with the better CD009 gearbox too - But the tax would irritate me. 2006 rev-ups are the worst in having the high tax rate but also the oil burning issues.
I have a DE - loads of aftermarket support, cheap(ish) parts / spares, great forum, super robust, reliable, capable, fun, easy to work on, GTs come with Brembo brakes, I think they still look great. What’s not to like?
(Aside from rust, but buy well and look after it).
Plus if I smash it into a tyre wall on track it isn’t a cripppling financial hit.
Fill it with tools, spares, drive to the track, smash around all day & drive back without dreading it (cruise control on, Bose sound system going, loping along in 6th, I’ve even put heated seat elements in my bucket seats - lovely).
Mine is fairly trick and incomparable to a standard car in how it drives; all the chassis bits, square 265 tyre set up, 370Z Nismo brakes, light single mass flywheel, big radiator, oil cooler etc. it’ll stay out on track all day without breaking a sweat.
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
In short, I really rate 350s, especially for the money - I’m on my second after having a lot of spicier more expensive stuff in between. I think they’re an excellent all-round package, and with a few select modifications really sharpen & wake up into a fun fast road / track car.
2007 HR’d engine cars are the best, come with the better CD009 gearbox too - But the tax would irritate me. 2006 rev-ups are the worst in having the high tax rate but also the oil burning issues.
I have a DE - loads of aftermarket support, cheap(ish) parts / spares, great forum, super robust, reliable, capable, fun, easy to work on, GTs come with Brembo brakes, I think they still look great. What’s not to like?
(Aside from rust, but buy well and look after it).
Plus if I smash it into a tyre wall on track it isn’t a cripppling financial hit.
Fill it with tools, spares, drive to the track, smash around all day & drive back without dreading it (cruise control on, Bose sound system going, loping along in 6th, I’ve even put heated seat elements in my bucket seats - lovely).
Mine is fairly trick and incomparable to a standard car in how it drives; all the chassis bits, square 265 tyre set up, 370Z Nismo brakes, light single mass flywheel, big radiator, oil cooler etc. it’ll stay out on track all day without breaking a sweat.
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
Edited by Ryan_T on Tuesday 24th January 10:52
Edited by Ryan_T on Tuesday 24th January 10:53
Edited by Ryan_T on Tuesday 24th January 10:55
Edited by Ryan_T on Tuesday 24th January 10:56
TameRacingDriver said:
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
Evo did actually do a test on the 350z vs Z4C and generally came up in favour of the Z4. On track the 350z was a smidgen quicker thanks to its LSD and Brembo brakes though. https://www.evo.co.uk/nissan/350z/14184/bmw-z4-v-n...
Im not sure why theres such a big comparision with the Z4 in this thread,i thought they were pretty different cars. Plus,id say seeing a 350Z on the road would be more special than seeing a Z4...they just seem more rare to me. I live in West Yorkshire and i never see any other Z's about. And if i saw a Z4 about i wouldnt be straining my neck haha.
coldel said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
Evo did actually do a test on the 350z vs Z4C and generally came up in favour of the Z4. On track the 350z was a smidgen quicker thanks to its LSD and Brembo brakes though. https://www.evo.co.uk/nissan/350z/14184/bmw-z4-v-n...
"A £2000 premium seems reasonable for the BMW, especially if you’re in thrall to its looks.
If that’s you, we’ll struggle to persuade you that the Nissan is the better car, but if you really want to drive, the 350Z is unquestionably more capable, inspiring and, ultimately, faster over all types of road."
Looks are subjective and the only area where I'd rate a Z4 above the 350Z is interior finish and fit. That would matter to some people but I'd rate the drive way more important.
coldel said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
Evo did actually do a test on the 350z vs Z4C and generally came up in favour of the Z4. On track the 350z was a smidgen quicker thanks to its LSD and Brembo brakes though. https://www.evo.co.uk/nissan/350z/14184/bmw-z4-v-n...
Strangely I was never all that impressed with the interior in my Z4M though, but I think that was mostly because it could feel a bit basic in comparison to the other BMWs I'd had previously that's all. Plus the cabin wasn't exactly free from rattles either. Both cars will put a big smile on your face I reckon, and that is what it is all about with cars like these I think.
Ryan_T said:
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
And neither of them look better than a 350Z either. 
The 350Z is a car I have thought of buying many times. But every time I was close to pulling the trigger it was always the same things which held me back. The interior and the weight. For that amount of weight I would want at least a 2+2 and some more practicality.
So despite the gorgeous look and of being one of the sports car which is aging very well, to me it's stuck in that limbo of not practical enough to use everyday and not special or exciting enough for a weekend only car.
But I take no credit away from them and I agree they are probably the best cheap sports car out there, if you want RWD, manual and more than just a 4 pot. Basically almost alone in that, unless you want to pay a lot more.
Yorkshire_LY said:
Im not sure why theres such a big comparision with the Z4 in this thread,i thought they were pretty different cars. Plus,id say seeing a 350Z on the road would be more special than seeing a Z4...they just seem more rare to me. I live in West Yorkshire and i never see any other Z's about. And if i saw a Z4 about i wouldnt be straining my neck haha.
Whats the differences you see? Just out of interest. I guess they are being called in to comparison due to the obvious similiarities ie. rwd 6 cyclinders 2 seats GT like carsShifter1 said:
Ryan_T said:
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
And neither of them look better than a 350Z either. The 350Z is a car I have thought of buying many times. But every time I was close to pulling the trigger it was always the same things which held me back. The interior and the weight. For that amount of weight I would want at least a 2+2 and some more practicality.
So despite the gorgeous look and of being one of the sports car which is aging very well, to me it's stuck in that limbo of not practical enough to use everyday and not special or exciting enough for a weekend only car.
But I take no credit away from them and I agree they are probably the best cheap sports car out there, if you want RWD, manual and more than just a 4 pot. Basically almost alone in that, unless you want to pay a lot more.
With hindsight now I'd definitely go for a V8 for my weekend car, because I feel that the V6 in the 370 doesn't quite warrant the £630 a year tax(neither did the S54 engine). So for me I'd try to get my hands on the biggest cylinder/capacity engine that I could get my hands on I reckon. If only the SLK55 AMG(or similar) came with a manual gearbox!
What were the prices new between the Z4 and Nissan? I'd have guess the BMW was more money.
Have to say, I do really love how the Z4C looks (not quite as good as its Z3 counterpart...). But if I was going Z4 it would have to be the convertible. Prices of those seem much more on par with the 350z.
Have to say, I do really love how the Z4C looks (not quite as good as its Z3 counterpart...). But if I was going Z4 it would have to be the convertible. Prices of those seem much more on par with the 350z.
Unreal said:
coldel said:
TameRacingDriver said:
Unreal said:
In which case you'll suffer in terms of the visibility lower down from a Z4. They are nice cars but not exactly an unusual sight on the roads if you want something that will turn a few heads.
I'm not sure it's the pose factor that has much bearing on the decision, although I do like a nice looking car for sure. It was, I guess, a different style of car. With the mx5 it's mainly fun when you're kicking it's head in, and I won't lie, I like to do that on occasion, but I'm in my 40s now so sometimes I like just wafting around and taking it a little easier. The mx5 is simply not as special feeling when doing that, whereas the drama of doing so in a big engined car is different. It feels special just driving to the shops. I guess it's about making compromises that make the car more fun, more of the time.
Evo did actually do a test on the 350z vs Z4C and generally came up in favour of the Z4. On track the 350z was a smidgen quicker thanks to its LSD and Brembo brakes though. https://www.evo.co.uk/nissan/350z/14184/bmw-z4-v-n...
"A £2000 premium seems reasonable for the BMW, especially if you’re in thrall to its looks.
If that’s you, we’ll struggle to persuade you that the Nissan is the better car, but if you really want to drive, the 350Z is unquestionably more capable, inspiring and, ultimately, faster over all types of road."
Looks are subjective and the only area where I'd rate a Z4 above the 350Z is interior finish and fit. That would matter to some people but I'd rate the drive way more important.
I think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
cerb4.5lee said:
Shifter1 said:
Ryan_T said:
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
And neither of them look better than a 350Z either. The 350Z is a car I have thought of buying many times. But every time I was close to pulling the trigger it was always the same things which held me back. The interior and the weight. For that amount of weight I would want at least a 2+2 and some more practicality.
So despite the gorgeous look and of being one of the sports car which is aging very well, to me it's stuck in that limbo of not practical enough to use everyday and not special or exciting enough for a weekend only car.
But I take no credit away from them and I agree they are probably the best cheap sports car out there, if you want RWD, manual and more than just a 4 pot. Basically almost alone in that, unless you want to pay a lot more.
With hindsight now I'd definitely go for a V8 for my weekend car, because I feel that the V6 in the 370 doesn't quite warrant the £630 a year tax(neither did the S54 engine). So for me I'd try to get my hands on the biggest cylinder/capacity engine that I could get my hands on I reckon. If only the SLK55 AMG(or similar) came with a manual gearbox!
Speaking to some petrolhead friends from Germany, they were saying that over there, slowly big engine cars are becoming harder to sell, with many examples not selling even after some price drops, including classic cars with V8s etc. People just don't want them with the eminent ICE ban on the horizon and the horrible gas prices.
And slowly people are starting to frown upon cars with big engines. With protest groups going around and emptying all tyres of things like SUV etc, the writing is on the wall bigger than ever. Get that special V8, V10, V12 now.
Shifter1 said:
I think the Z4 wins in interior and engine. Regardless of M or not. Both engines are just more charismatic than the "French" one in the 350Z IMO. The V6 in the 350Z is just not in the same pantheon as the BMW straight 6, Jaguar straight 6, Busso V6, 2JZ etc. Just way less special I think.
I think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
Oh god yeah, when Clarkson said the 350z had a French engine and so many people fell for it lolI think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
300bhp/ton said:
What were the prices new between the Z4 and Nissan? I'd have guess the BMW was more money.
Have to say, I do really love how the Z4C looks (not quite as good as its Z3 counterpart...). But if I was going Z4 it would have to be the convertible. Prices of those seem much more on par with the 350z.
I think my Z4M Roadster was around £43k new, whereas the I think my 370Z Roadster was about £34ish new(it is the GT pack with Nav etc). The base model 370Z was even cheaper(smaller wheels/brakes/no nav etc). Have to say, I do really love how the Z4C looks (not quite as good as its Z3 counterpart...). But if I was going Z4 it would have to be the convertible. Prices of those seem much more on par with the 350z.
I paid quite similar for them used though. The Z4M(2006 model) was £14.5k with 39k miles on it back in 2012 when I had it, and the 370Z(2011 model) was £13.5k with 45k miles on it back in early 2019.
I think the 350Z/370Z have always been great value both new and used for what you get I reckon.
Shifter1 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
Shifter1 said:
Ryan_T said:
Every so often I’ll find myself eyeing up an E46 M3 or Caymam etc, but I’d have to spend 3x the amount to build something to similar standard, and it’s not 3x the car, or worth 3x the risk on track.
And neither of them look better than a 350Z either. The 350Z is a car I have thought of buying many times. But every time I was close to pulling the trigger it was always the same things which held me back. The interior and the weight. For that amount of weight I would want at least a 2+2 and some more practicality.
So despite the gorgeous look and of being one of the sports car which is aging very well, to me it's stuck in that limbo of not practical enough to use everyday and not special or exciting enough for a weekend only car.
But I take no credit away from them and I agree they are probably the best cheap sports car out there, if you want RWD, manual and more than just a 4 pot. Basically almost alone in that, unless you want to pay a lot more.
With hindsight now I'd definitely go for a V8 for my weekend car, because I feel that the V6 in the 370 doesn't quite warrant the £630 a year tax(neither did the S54 engine). So for me I'd try to get my hands on the biggest cylinder/capacity engine that I could get my hands on I reckon. If only the SLK55 AMG(or similar) came with a manual gearbox!
Speaking to some petrolhead friends from Germany, they were saying that over there, slowly big engine cars are becoming harder to sell, with many examples not selling even after some price drops, including classic cars with V8s etc. People just don't want them with the eminent ICE ban on the horizon and the horrible gas prices.
And slowly people are starting to frown upon cars with big engines. With protest groups going around and emptying all tyres of things like SUV etc, the writing is on the wall bigger than ever. Get that special V8, V10, V12 now.
coldel said:
Shifter1 said:
I think the Z4 wins in interior and engine. Regardless of M or not. Both engines are just more charismatic than the "French" one in the 350Z IMO. The V6 in the 350Z is just not in the same pantheon as the BMW straight 6, Jaguar straight 6, Busso V6, 2JZ etc. Just way less special I think.
I think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
Oh god yeah, when Clarkson said the 350z had a French engine and so many people fell for it lolI think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
I did really like the eagerness/appetite for revs that both the N52/S54 engines had though, but you arguably lose a little bit of eagerness lower down the revs as the trade off I think.
coldel said:
Whats the differences you see? Just out of interest. I guess they are being called in to comparison due to the obvious similiarities ie. rwd 6 cyclinders 2 seats GT like cars
well,one is Japanese and one is German for a start hehe. Just a comparison id never thought of,mind you BMWs have never really appealed to me.People also saying interior is really important on here - the 350's is fine imo...has the dials,leather heated seats,air con,cruise control etc its not bad for a nearly 20 year old car.
Another thing i noticed today while looking at mine in the car park next to modern hatches - is how 'small' it relatively is compared to new cars. Even next to a modern Fiesta. You think a 350 would be quite 'muscley' and big,but it really isnt.
coldel said:
Shifter1 said:
I think the Z4 wins in interior and engine. Regardless of M or not. Both engines are just more charismatic than the "French" one in the 350Z IMO. The V6 in the 350Z is just not in the same pantheon as the BMW straight 6, Jaguar straight 6, Busso V6, 2JZ etc. Just way less special I think.
I think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
Oh god yeah, when Clarkson said the 350z had a French engine and so many people fell for it lolI think the drive is more important if it's a weekend car. In a daily driver I would say interior is just as important. Even in a weekend car. Unless it's an ultra lightweight sports car you are driving 10/10 and grabbing by the scruff of the neck the whole time, such as Elise, VX220 or MX5, a nice interior makes it all that much more enjoyable to me.
Shifter1 said:
Hmm, did you see I put French in quotes? My point is, it's a pretty unespecial engine, with variants being used in all sorts of cars, Nissan and Renault. Renault basically owns Nissan. Google Renault V4Y engine.
I think that’s perhaps applicable to the base DE engine, but by all accounts the later HR engines are a different animal, 80% new internals - Revs 1k higher to 7.5k etc. Edited by Ryan_T on Tuesday 24th January 14:58
Yorkshire_LY said:
Another thing i noticed today while looking at mine in the car park next to modern hatches - is how 'small' it relatively is compared to new cars. Even next to a modern Fiesta. You think a 350 would be quite 'muscley' and big,but it really isnt.
I remember thinking that they were quite a big car back in the early 2000's, but like you say they will seem quite compact now though. I was shocked that the F82 M4 was actually longer than the Merc GLC350d SUV that we had! The M4 is only a 2+2 Coupe in comparison! Cars have been getting much bigger over the years for sure. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff