first speed isn't everything. The stock Z is plenty fast for me.

When I was in houston with my new Z and I just had it washed and waxed and went to a club and the valet parked it in the front row with all the exotic cars. I doubt that would have happend with a STI.

2 seaters are sexier than 4 doors... period

half the people that see that wing on your STI are going to think your some stupid ricer.

 

I sold my 2003 WRX for the Z. The Subaru was modified having Stage 2 power, upgraded brakes, suspension, tires, etc. In a straight line, and possibly even in the twisties (not 100% sure yet) it was a faster car than my Z, albeit with over $10k in mods. I really never fell in love with that car though. I mean, it was fun and all. I had a 2000 Z28 6-speed before that and almost cried the day I sold it, but with the WRX... I just drove past it at the dealer as I left in my 35th Z.

The WRX and especially the STi are outstanding cars for the money. The reason I wanted a Z instead was because of the heritage, wanting a "real" sports car, and not wanting to be the envy of every teenager in town. The WRX got way, way too much attention from kids. So much so, that I lived in fear of leaving it parked anywhere, so my weekend drives became: take the car out, drive, hide it back in the garage. Anyway, if the STi is what you want, go buy one. You simply can't go wrong, and nobody here is going to be able to argue that car's prowess with any legitimacy. Your coworker probably still has no idea what he will encounter though. A good friend of mine bought a 2005 Crystal Gray STi and a few weeks later came out of Best Buy to find two kids with a tarp wrapped around the wing trying to tear it off in broad daylight. They are lucky to be alive. IMHO, cars like that attract too much attention from the "ricer" crowd that I really don't want anymore at 30 years old. $10 says that wing would have been bolted to a Ford Escort within days, lol.

 

The only reason I could never buy an STI is that it's freaking ugly. And always comes second to the EVO8. I do not like nor need AWD or 5 seats.

I get atleast couple of thumbs up every day with the Z. And get a blast out of my car both on the streets and on the track. Can't care less that the STI is faster. I'm not a pro driver, nor am I getting paid,

If I want an ugly fast car that looks like a box. I can buy a 85 stang GT

 

Haha I can see it now. 2 older guys talkin trash about eachother's cars. Gray hair, hat on backwards 'yo your Z is slow *****. My EVO eats that thing for dinner'

 

Looked at the STi, and even went to put a down payment on one, but someone bough the only one on the lot... lucky for me.

All I have to do is do the famous "park you car, walk away, and look back one last time before you hit the door" and I know Imade the right choice. Its one of the few cars I see on the road that evokes any emotion from me. DAMN THAT CAR IS SEXAY...

 

I haven't laughed so hard for days!! Yep, we're old geezers w/dentures about to fall out talkin' trash 'bout cars...what a great picture!

You made my day!

P.S. My colleague is a young 42. But I'm young at heart, even ride a sportbike (Aprilia Mille).

 

I like the STI also although I wouldnt give it my Z's spot in the garage ever. I am in my forties but dont think your age has anything to do with what car you may like as previous posters have implied (they appear to all be young kids themselves probably just a little older than the average STI owner). I am considering the STI as my second car (DD).

The STI no doubt has some attractive features but it also feels much cheaper then the Z all around. Its also ugly.

The stock Z and stock STI compare well in terms of raw speed.
The Z will of course do better in the corners. If you are disappointed with the Z's speed why dont you mod it, add a SC or go TT ? That would give you a very different perspective.

 

Where is everyone getting the info that the STI is worst then the EVO? Look at the reviews and numbers. STI is a bad *** car! Even the MR is not all that impressive for the price.

I owned a WRX before the Z and the fun factor of the car was as good as the Z but the looks are defiantly not there.

If I had extra 30k to spend on a car again I would go with the STI without a doubt.

 

STi kicks ***......but be proud of your beautiful "sports car"

 

How do you justify it? The Z is a 2-seater sports car that has a long, distinguished history since 1969. It and variations of it compete in the fastest racing series around the world (pavement that is, where real/normal cars drive).

The STI is only measurably faster from a stop. It is a souped up economy car, no matter how big the wing/turbo is. The Z car was and always has been built as a sports car.

 

Souped up economy car or not, I would advise ayone who hasnt to go take a test drive. The STi is one he!! of a fun machine. IMO these cars aren't even really comparable. AWD/Turbo != RWD/NA.

 

even if the sti was cheaper i wouldnt buy it. Its a totaly different car than the z. The z feels like a fun toy when i drive it and it feels like a true sports car (This is comming from a guy who have driven the best of the best). The z is simply an amazing car and also happens to be very sexy.

 

"The Z is a 2-seater sports car that has a long, distinguished history since 1969."

Wish that reflected nissans service. O well <sigh>

 

Honestly, since you DR. seem to be worried about what others think so much, I think that if you bought the STI you would definatly LOOK out of place in a car that looks like a toy.

While the Z appeal expands a wider age range and the G35 the upper age range (expence?)

anyway,
arround here Zs are very few and 2 i saw were driven by obvioulsy older guys greyed and grey beards.

More people would make fun of you in an STI than a Z and even fewer in a G35 .. have you thought about the G35 AWD???? thats cool too!!

you have more formal education and expierience here than most members
you should be advising many of us! lol

like most others have said here its YOUR car which one do YOU like to be driving?? then thats the one for YOU!!
good luck "old man" J/K .. BTW im 33
i wish i had the bankroll of that 17 yo!! heheh

 

When I look at the Z from about 20 feet away, I wonder how can they make such a tremendous car for so little money as well.

 

"ricer" is the key word. The STI could easily be mistaken as regular car with a bunch of add on crap. Most people don't know what a STI is, they pull up next to one and say " look at all the crap they added" not even knowing it came that way...That will never happen with the Z!
They pull up and stare because stock our Z is a sports car. Think about it. BTW age has nothing to do with it. Z !!! Never, ever apologize again.

 

I admire your chutzpa for posting a question like yours on this forum. Understanding that my350Z.com is not known for it's appreciation of the STi makes your sincerity even more endearing.
I also applaud your sports minded slant on the automotive world. Owning a Z with a compatriot who owns an STi. I honestly would have never suspected. Realizing this, I suspect I'm guilty of a bit of hypocrisy as I also have grey in the beard and should have know that others my age would appreciate a performance ride also.

There are some funny, strange, true, and untrue statements made in this thread, but overall, it seems that the consensus is that the Z dominates in the sexiness category. This is unquestionably true. Some of the other areas that I saw mentioned where the Z might have the edge are questionable. Heritage for one. I suggest anyone that questions the STi's heritage might want to research Rallying and the Impreza's place in it.

All in all, as has been stated, hopefully you are driving the car you wish to be driving, and not because it's what others think you should be driving. I drive an STi. I could care less what others think of the car. It's mine and I like it very much, thank you!. Would I own a 350Z? Absolutely. Would I choose it over an STi. No, but again, that is a personal preference. Some chose vanity over performance. This is not intended to be a slur...it's just the way it is. Ultimately, as has been stated, what do you wish out of our car? Appreciation by your for it's looks...or for it's performance. You should toss out anyone elses opinion because again...it's your car, not theirs. Just my honest opinion. Enjoy your ride!!

 

I love STi's and EVO's and I think they look great! But I could only afford one car so i picked the Z.

If I could buy them all I would.

 

first off, i do own a Z and i'm very happy w/it - but the Z, STi and EvoVIII are all great and capable cars... my decision to get the Z was just a personal decision after seeing all the nice ones first-hand at the 2003 Tokyo Auto Salon...

i really can't agree w/anyone who would call the Evo and STi econoboxes because of their _proven_ rally heritage (we are not talking about kids in a mitsu mirage, but the real Evo and STi)... of course these street-legal US version will differ from the true rally cars (and actually from their European and Japanese variants), but they are using proven technology

again, it's all about preference, but i don't think you can deny that all these cars are real performers

i agree w/Boma - i'd buy all 3 if i could (and an Aston Martin Vanquish, Mercedes Benz SL55, upcoming BMW M6, etc.....)

 

Simple the STI looks liked a riced up family sedan..... Sure its got lots bang for the $$$ performance wise but its still a tin can with a fast engine.. If thats what it takes to float your boat then you should trade you Z in and get one..

It's hard not to laugh at that car regardless of how fast it is, because of its oversized hood scoops and park bench spoiler. Not to mention some of the lame paint schemes it comes in.. I mean blue with gold rims.. come on....

Cruising the streets is just as much about apperance as it is performance... Atleast the Z has both... all the STI has going for it is its speed... I mean if all its about is speed, then I'd buy a Street Bike and be done with it...