Nissan 350z GT/370z GT - Owners views

Nissan 350z GT/370z GT - Owners views

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Oldandslow

2,405 posts

205 months

Wednesday 18th October 2017
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300bhp/ton said:
I really like the look of the 370z. The yellow and solid blue colours especially. And would genuinely like to own one.

The 350z I’m sure is a good car. Although styling wise it’s not as cohesive as the 370z and looks a little awkward IMO.

350z’s seem to have lots of rust reports that I’ve read. And prices seem to be dropping on them. Bit like the 300ZX before them in this regard (price). 370z seems to be holding its money better. And is super rare. Really don’t think many have been sold in the U.K.

For me though. There are other rwd cars.

I’ve just bought this. For less money than a 370z. But it’s likely to hold its value better too. This is my 2nd of these in fact.

Doesn’t really weigh much more than the 350z. Weighs about the same as an e46 M3. 6 speed manual and a 5.7 V8. Handles and drives really well and is huge fun. And should be a fair chunk quicker than a 350z. Sounds better too IMO and even more tunable.

And it’s a 2+2 with a usable boot.

Do you just cruise the forum at random suggesting big American cars in every thread?

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Wednesday 18th October 2017
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Oldandslow said:
Do you just cruise the forum at random suggesting big American cars in every thread?
The op asked a question. On what level have I not reasonably answered?

Oldandslow

2,405 posts

205 months

Wednesday 18th October 2017
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300bhp/ton said:
The op asked a question. On what level have I not reasonably answered?
You mean the one about 350 and 370Z Owners views?

coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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300bhp/ton said:
I really like the look of the 370z. The yellow and solid blue colours especially. And would genuinely like to own one.

The 350z I’m sure is a good car. Although styling wise it’s not as cohesive as the 370z and looks a little awkward IMO.

350z’s seem to have lots of rust reports that I’ve read. And prices seem to be dropping on them. Bit like the 300ZX before them in this regard (price). 370z seems to be holding its money better. And is super rare. Really don’t think many have been sold in the U.K.

For me though. There are other rwd cars.

I’ve just bought this. For less money than a 370z. But it’s likely to hold its value better too. This is my 2nd of these in fact.

Doesn’t really weigh much more than the 350z. Weighs about the same as an e46 M3. 6 speed manual and a 5.7 V8. Handles and drives really well and is huge fun. And should be a fair chunk quicker than a 350z. Sounds better too IMO and even more tunable.

And it’s a 2+2 with a usable boot.

Just looking at online stats, and the 5.7litre V8 puts out the same power as the 3.5litre V6 of the Zed, and 0-60 times are about on par at late 5s. So no real speed advantage despite an extra 2 litres in a straight line, the zed also handles fine for a GT car. I am not sure sitting in a 90s Camero you can seriously say there is a handling advantage over a 350z/370z which will (by default I suspect due to engine sizes/materials/weight) have a better weight distribution across the car - no evidence here just common sense view. I just cannot seriously believe performance wise you would consider a 96 Camero a 'better' car than a 350z. The extra 2 seats are a bonus and the looks, well for me it looks like a big flat lump with no shape at all but for others it probably looks great, but thats why looks are subjective!

In terms of prices the 04-06 DE 350z's have pretty much bottomed out, now is probably the best time to buy one of those, even the last run HR units are coming down to around the £7k to £8k mark which is great value for a 300bhp+ 2 seater V6. The 370z still has some depreciation left in it. You can get a decent UK 04 plate DE engined zed for around £5.5k - quite a few of these have been nicely modified (plenum spacer, exhaust, sports cats, uprev) which are subtle but good mods to replace weaknesses/failing areas of what will be a 13 year old car - go to the car forums to find cars for sale which usually have build threads with them which help you understand the history of the car. The rust issue cited above has appeared on a very small number of cars mostly on the arches so do check for that but the problem is pretty rare and if it is there its an easy spot, unless you are getting decent money off the asking price walk away, there are plenty enough for sale to be a little choosy.

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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coldel said:
Just looking at online stats, and the 5.7litre V8 puts out the same power as the 3.5litre V6 of the Zed, and 0-60 times are about on par at late 5s. So no real speed advantage despite an extra 2 litres in a straight line, the zed also handles fine for a GT car. I am not sure sitting in a 90s Camero you can seriously say there is a handling advantage over a 350z/370z which will (by default I suspect due to engine sizes/materials/weight) have a better weight distribution across the car - no evidence here just common sense view. I just cannot seriously believe performance wise you would consider a 96 Camero a 'better' car than a 350z. The extra 2 seats are a bonus and the looks, well for me it looks like a big flat lump with no shape at all but for others it probably looks great, but thats why looks are subjective!

In terms of prices the 04-06 DE 350z's have pretty much bottomed out, now is probably the best time to buy one of those, even the last run HR units are coming down to around the £7k to £8k mark which is great value for a 300bhp+ 2 seater V6. The 370z still has some depreciation left in it. You can get a decent UK 04 plate DE engined zed for around £5.5k - quite a few of these have been nicely modified (plenum spacer, exhaust, sports cats, uprev) which are subtle but good mods to replace weaknesses/failing areas of what will be a 13 year old car - go to the car forums to find cars for sale which usually have build threads with them which help you understand the history of the car. The rust issue cited above has appeared on a very small number of cars mostly on the arches so do check for that but the problem is pretty rare and if it is there its an easy spot, unless you are getting decent money off the asking price walk away, there are plenty enough for sale to be a little choosy.
Firstly, I’m not going to knock the Nissans I like both. And I’m an ex 200SX Turbo owner (and a 100NX wink – mighty mighty performance).

I was seriously looking at 370z’s earlier in the year and was thinking of swapping my automatic Camaro for one. The main reason being I wanted a manual gearbox and manual Camaro’s are incredibly rare in the UK. But the price gap was just a little too big for me.

The 350z doesn’t quite hit the sweet spot for me styling wise, so I wasn’t considering them. However I having nothing against the cars. The 370z is however, IMO one of the best looking cars in recent years. It’s a sort of baby Aston/Corvette in many ways for a lot less money. 2 seater, RWD sports coupe.

But there is no denying, Nissans main market target with the 350z was the potential Mustang GT buyer in the USA. That is what the car was pitched against, despite being only a 2 seater.

I think it’s worth remembering, the 350z was not a 300bhp car in the earlier years either. Wasn’t it 276hp or something. And the convertible automatic ones are a fair chunk heavier and slower than the manual coupes.

As for the Camaro. I think the main problem here is, few people on PH have ever actually been in one. If you have, then you are one of only a few. But I think this generally results in a lack of knowledge about them.

First up, the 4th Gen Camaro received an update in 1998 and was in production until 2002. These are the cars I’m referring too. They have the Chevy LS1 5.7 V8, which shares nothing in common with older Chevy V8 engines, even those used in the 94-97 Camaro’s. The LS1 is the all alloy engine that you’d find in a Corvette or even a Monaro and many other cars. And is still the current basis of all the Chevy V8 engines today.

This is a compact, lightweight and powerful engine. Official HP figures for the Camaro (and Trans Am) are lower than those on a Corvette, but there are no specification changes to the engines and many many dyno runs have shown there is no difference in output either. The lower claims appear to be marketing led, to create distance between the Camaro/Trans Am and the Corvette.

As for handling. All I can say is, they handle fine and are a lot of fun, the latter maybe being the most important thing.

Maybe they wouldn’t win on a race track or not. I really couldn’t say, as mine is a street car. But I can say they are perfectly capable and have a well-respected reputation for AutoX and circuit use. They are a little bit bigger physically, so on narrow roads you notice this. But bigger roads this is no problem and no more of an issue vs most BMW M cars or AMG Mercs, which are often of similar length/width.

In terms of materials and balance. Well despite the long the nose, the engine is actually largely behind the front axle. In other applications people call this mid/front mounted. I wouldn’t exactly go that far, it’s still a front engine car IMO. But this helps the balance out a lot, although like most F/R cars, still slightly front heavy.

It also uses plastic composite body panels for the most part. And has Double A arm front suspension. The rear suspension might appear oldish, but it is arguably the pinnacle of this kind of setup and very very well sorted. The only real negative with the rear setup is a slightly less than perfect ride.

I’m also an ex Subaru Impreza Turbo owner. In the wet or narrow bumpy roads the Subaru was quicker. But bigger more open roads in the dry the Camaro is a lot faster than the Impreza.

The green car I posted above. I only bought this about a month ago. It’s one of the super rare manuals. 6 speed T56. Which is the same gearbox you’ll find in a Corvette, Viper and many Aston Martins.

In terms of performance. There are obviously many modern cars which can match or better these, or the Nissans. But the LS1 makes these pretty rapid machines.

0-60mph is more like high 4’s/low 5’s depending on traction and they can run high 12’s at the ¼ mile stock. Most are limited to around 160mph top speed, but it is reputed that the manual cars de-restricted top over 180mph (I haven’t tried this).

Price wise, the Camaro’s seem very stable. I’ve just paid almost the same for the green Camaro above, as I paid for my blue automatic one in 2006 pretty much. And looking at older models, the prices will likely only head in one direction from here.

My only aim here was, the op was interested in a front Vee engine car, rwd , sports coupe for a certain budget range. I was simply highlighting another alternative, one often not very well known in the UK. smile


I’m not saying either car is better or worse. Just different or an alternative.


Making more rwhp than a same year Corvette.


A Ford magazine lamenting the fact a stock Camaro was running 12 second quarters when they tested it.

liner33

10,642 posts

201 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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I do love the yank stuff but LHD is a real pain in the UK

Dave.

7,324 posts

252 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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The "rust issue" 300bhp is referring to is one of the underside cross braces.

£250 to buy (dealer prices), but getting the old one off can be a right tt of a job. Hardware is needed too, dealer prices are expensive, i bought everything from Torqen for around £250.

Just check before you buy, & negotiate £500 off if it needs replacing.


liner33

10,642 posts

201 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
Dave. said:
The "rust issue" 300bhp is referring to is one of the underside cross braces.

£250 to buy (dealer prices), but getting the old one off can be a right tt of a job. Hardware is needed too, dealer prices are expensive, i bought everything from Torqen for around £250.

Just check before you buy, & negotiate £500 off if it needs replacing.
I've seen 2005 cars so rusty they were unlikely to pass another mot , the w braces do rust but so does the rest of the car if not looked after

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
liner33 said:
Dave. said:
The "rust issue" 300bhp is referring to is one of the underside cross braces.

£250 to buy (dealer prices), but getting the old one off can be a right tt of a job. Hardware is needed too, dealer prices are expensive, i bought everything from Torqen for around £250.

Just check before you buy, & negotiate £500 off if it needs replacing.
I've seen 2005 cars so rusty they were unlikely to pass another mot , the w braces do rust but so does the rest of the car if not looked after
I haven’t noticed this so recently. But a while back, I saw 3 different 350z’s in the space of just over a week. All 3 had bubbling rear arches and discoloured paint around the area. I was quite surprised tbh. But I don’t know if it a common trait or not.

coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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@300bhp

I was responding to your point that you believe the Camero would easily outperform the 350z. Looking at the specs again of the LS1 you mention, it quotes 305bhp (source wikipedia) which vs a Revup DE 350z at 296bhp (which can be purchased for for sub £6k making it a great value car) really is a much of a muchness and in no way would allow that Camero to be a 'fair chunk quicker' than a 350z in any shape or form on the road. I felt this idea was quite misleading to the OP and needed some context. And sure we can quote great things about engines all day, the 350z has a carbon fibre prop shaft that is so light you can pick it up using only your tongue, but hey who cares.

If I were looking at a 90s RWD car with 4 seats and decent boot you could go so many places, R33s, Imprezas, Evos etc. But a whole new ownership experience comes with owning a 20 year old+ car vs picking up a more modern V6 (and I know I had an R33 and now in a Celica ST205). The great thing about the 350z is that so little comes close to it in terms of bang for buck for a car that is 10 years old if the OP picks up a revup or HR.


coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
300bhp/ton said:
I haven’t noticed this so recently. But a while back, I saw 3 different 350z’s in the space of just over a week. All 3 had bubbling rear arches and discoloured paint around the area. I was quite surprised tbh. But I don’t know if it a common trait or not.
I think you have been very unlucky - if you head to the zed forums where new owners appear all time very rarely do any arrive with rust on arches, and many current owners do not complain of it. That said all cars rust, thats kind of what happens. The MX5 is famous for rust on the sills, the 300zx's also (mainly due to poorly designed drainage routes for the targa roof as I understand it) but its certainly not a 'thing' that 350z's rust on the arches, on the whole the cars do not suffer from this.

Dave.

7,324 posts

252 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
liner33 said:
Dave. said:
The "rust issue" 300bhp is referring to is one of the underside cross braces.

£250 to buy (dealer prices), but getting the old one off can be a right tt of a job. Hardware is needed too, dealer prices are expensive, i bought everything from Torqen for around £250.

Just check before you buy, & negotiate £500 off if it needs replacing.
I've seen 2005 cars so rusty they were unlikely to pass another mot , the w braces do rust but so does the rest of the car if not looked after
Imports or a UK cars?

I've seen a few drift slut z's with rust, but assumed that was due to the dented panels/cracked paintwork etc.

coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
The W brace is prone to rust, but its easily removed and does not require to be on the car to pass an MOT. There are a number of aftermarket options available at much cheaper prices than an OEM replacement.

liner33

10,642 posts

201 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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Dave. said:
Imports or a UK cars?

I've seen a few drift slut z's with rust, but assumed that was due to the dented panels/cracked paintwork etc.
UK cars , worst I saw was from Wales , think it had been by the sea t was a 2005 55 plate DE

Mostly underneath structual stuff rather than body panels , they have limited underbody protection even the 370

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
coldel said:
@300bhp

I was responding to your point that you believe the Camero would easily outperform the 350z. Looking at the specs again of the LS1 you mention, it quotes 305bhp (source wikipedia) which vs a Revup DE 350z at 296bhp (which can be purchased for for sub £6k making it a great value car) really is a much of a muchness and in no way would allow that Camero to be a 'fair chunk quicker' than a 350z in any shape or form on the road. I felt this idea was quite misleading to the OP and needed some context. And sure we can quote great things about engines all day, the 350z has a carbon fibre prop shaft that is so light you can pick it up using only your tongue, but hey who cares.[/quote=coldel]
I can only assume you didn’t read what I typed and didn’t look at the magazine extracts.

LS1’s typically make 300rwhp stock regardless of GM may have published or what wiki says. I’ve proved to sample references for you.

300rwhp no matter how you slice it is right around the 350hp mark +-

And the respond well to mods. Simple bolt on breathing mods will net 20-50hp more. Of which many have already had things like air boxes and exhausts already done.

coldel said:
If I were looking at a 90s RWD car with 4 seats and decent boot you could go so many places, R33s, Imprezas, Evos etc. But a whole new ownership experience comes with owning a 20 year old+ car vs picking up a more modern V6 (and I know I had an R33 and now in a Celica ST205). The great thing about the 350z is that so little comes close to it in terms of bang for buck for a car that is 10 years old if the OP picks up a revup or HR.
As said. I’m not knocking the Nissans. Although you seem to not be offering the same in return.

Btw - I think it’s a stretch to call any of those cars RWD. Unless you mean a GTS R33.

coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
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@300bhp

Aye you can rack up drag strip times, etc. but like I say, 'on the road' I just cannot believe a 90s Camaro will drive away from an 2006 350z - so driving a proper driving road with straights and turns, switchbacks, inclines etc. If we are talking straight line drag races there are many cars that would drive away from the Camaro in same price bracket. As I said above I don't think the option of a 90s Camaro is in anyway an option to a much more modern car - I have a 300bhp Celica GT4 which kept pace with some 350z during a road trip of Scotland but would never offer it up as a 350z substitute as the ownership is completely different, the interior is outdated, many more consumables will have deteriorated/will need replacing and so on and so forth. Sure if you are willing to take on what will soon be a 20 year old classic then its an option, but what I read the OP said he was fine with 2 seats, weekend car to take for a blast and reliability which sits much more firmly in more modern car territory than a 90s classics territory - but hey could be wrong!

Edited by coldel on Thursday 19th October 14:19


Edited by coldel on Thursday 19th October 14:20

coldel

7,733 posts

145 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
liner33 said:
UK cars , worst I saw was from Wales , think it had been by the sea t was a 2005 55 plate DE

Mostly underneath structual stuff rather than body panels , they have limited underbody protection even the 370
As long as imports come in in decent condition and the importer underseals them you should be fine. But yes cars living by the sea are at a disadvantage!

Dave.

7,324 posts

252 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
liner33 said:
Dave. said:
Imports or a UK cars?

I've seen a few drift slut z's with rust, but assumed that was due to the dented panels/cracked paintwork etc.
UK cars , worst I saw was from Wales , think it had been by the sea t was a 2005 55 plate DE

Mostly underneath structual stuff rather than body panels , they have limited underbody protection even the 370
Eek!

Never been under it, it doesn't much mileage & as we've had it from nearly new, it's only ever seen the dealers up until last year.

I've never been under it as a result, maybe I should!

liner33

10,642 posts

201 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
Dave. said:
Eek!

Never been under it, it doesn't much mileage & as we've had it from nearly new, it's only ever seen the dealers up until last year.

I've never been under it as a result, maybe I should!
Many owners dont look underneath them

300bhp/ton

41,030 posts

189 months

Thursday 19th October 2017
quotequote all
coldel said:
@300bhp

Aye you can rack up drag strip times, etc. but like I say, 'on the road' I just cannot believe a 90s Camaro will drive away from an 2006 350z - so driving a proper driving road with straights and turns, switchbacks, inclines etc. If we are talking straight line drag races there are many cars that would drive away from the Camaro in same price bracket. As I said above I don't think the option of a 90s Camaro is in anyway an option to a much more modern car - I have a 300bhp Celica GT4 which kept pace with some 350z during a road trip of Scotland but would never offer it up as a 350z substitute as the ownership is completely different, the interior is outdated, many more consumables will have deteriorated/will need replacing and so on and so forth. Sure if you are willing to take on what will soon be a 20 year old classic then its an option, but what I read the OP said he was fine with 2 seats, weekend car to take for a blast and reliability which sits much more firmly in more modern car territory than a 90s classics territory - but hey could be wrong!

Edited by coldel on Thursday 19th October 14:19


Edited by coldel on Thursday 19th October 14:20
Well you are obviously determined to be completely closed minded on this. A shame.

But considering you have exactly 0 experience with the car you are putting down. Maybe that rather highlights a flaw in your reasoning.

I’m not going to say anymore on the subject. I’ve made a comment and provided info. If the op or anyone who views this thread finds it of interest I’m sure they will pursue on their own accord.

I would say. Your replies do seem as though you haven’t actually read what I’ve said and you seem to make some rather large sweeping statements on things that weren’t said.

And for the record. Camaro production ended in 2002. 350z started in 2002. Not exactly decades between them.