This is the other older bro of a proud 350 owner and i just wanted to get ur guys input on my little dilemma. I definitely want a car that has a lot of power and torque and i love the z for its looks and modern style, the s4 for its turbo engine and modification options, but I am leaning towards the 2001 vette because its such a fast car, with a quarter mile of 12.9 and getting to sixty in 4.7 seconds, its a beast. I own an rsx now and i am very uneasy about getting an american car as I still apreciate jdm power. Thanks.

 

MY thoughts:

I wouldn't buy a vette as I'm not really impressed by GM.
The S4 does have a lot of modding options, but Audi/VW's have a lot of electrical problems. I was into the VW tuning for several years and they have their share of problems.
I would go with the Z as a first choice then the S4 over the vette. S4's can be made very fast, but it will cost you quite a bit of money. You'd be better off putting a turbo kit on the Z.

 

jd power rates GM as average, probably somewhat better than nissan overall. Other GM models such as caddy, lincoln, buick beat toyota and honda and are at the top. Only Consumer reports consistently disses domestics. Likely the reason is that since the surveys are all subscriber based, the subscribers tend to focus on reliability and are much more inclined to already purchase the camcords and re-affirm their beliefs in the surveys.

 

I had choice of new 350z or used 2002 corvette.
I went with teh new 350z becuase it was "new" and i wanted reliabity that comes with a new car.

If i had to choose between only used i would go corvette.

 

350Z for a few reasons...

The vette is a 2001, now I know thats only 2 years older than the '03 Z, but the vette is also a generation older, being a C5. Also, it's a friggan GM. There is absolutely no way to put it, GM cars fall apart.

S4.... real nice (fast) car, however I just cant get the image out of my mind of the preppy rich kids that drove them at my high school. Something about Audi's that just give off a sense of arrogance. Just my opinion.

Z.... aftermarket possibilities are endless. F/I for this car leads to almost endless horsepower, and it is constantly becoming more and more reliable.

So, the Z wins by default in this case, but then again, it is one HELL of a machine

 

My bother owns a 01' C5 6spd, and I've got an 03' touring Z... He loves my car. The C5 is a great car but the interior is terrible. He weighs about 160lbs and the drivers seat has broken twice on him now. The glass roof has cracks in it from the car flexing when going into inclines. The interior is cheap typical GM with abudant rattles. How ever it has great handling, and LSx motor which are probally some of the best SB v8's ever made, and they go like a bat out of hell.

 

The long term reliability for the C5 is below average. Even though it came out in 97. I read it in C. Digest. GM still couldnt get it right after all those yrs. That explains GMs poor quality.

 

well let me comment on the Vettes as I've owned 3....a 99 coupe...a 2000 coupe and a 2001 Z06.
I also currently own no Vettes but do have an '06 350 in my Garage.

The C5 Vettes are ok, power to weight and torque feel is good but only moves to very good when you get the Z06 and hit 400hp or more.

Did have a number of problems, trans, seats (poor support) and roofs. Only good one of the bunch was the Z06. If you can find a 99-00 FRC that would be worth the effort.

Other wise the 350Z is handsdown more bang for the buck. I've installed an Exhaust, CAI and Springs and Sways and my Z is tons more fun that any of my Vettes and way, way cheaper.

I did consider the C6 a month ago when I bought my 06 Z but just could not get off the better than 27k to 43k difference.

The 350Z feels as if you wear it and the Vettes you just drive.