Hello Forum. I'm new here and just started to look round at possibly getting a new car. Goal is to get it figured out by end of year. Why will it take so lone?? it's because I have not owned a car since '91, been just riding bikes since then - and I need to get over the fact that I will probably sell my bike(s) when getting back into a car.

Anyway. while in the Marines, I owned a '81 280Z and really enjoyed it. I have started to look round at cars - wanting to get a coupe or a roadster - and have been compariing the Crossfire, Z4, 350Z, Audi TT, G35, etc.. to see what I like the most. I'm starting to lean towards a convertable, and it's getting narrowed down to the Z4 and the 350Z.

I have been looking on this site - a lot - for comparisions and have found a lot of good info. I'm looking to see if anyone that currently has a 350Z also owns/owned a 280Z and if they could share what their views are on a comparision of the two?

I'm so far out of the car market that I know next to nothing about the new Z and how it is compared to the older models.

Thanks for yor time, and sorry if this is a dupe - Searches did not find what I was looking for.

 

I owned a 1977 280Z. You cannot honestly compare the 280Z to the 350Z. Totally different cars. The L28 that came with the 280Z was a great engine for the time, but it pales when compared to the VQ35DE that our 350Z's come with now. Don't get me wrong I still love the 280Z I owned and plan on getting another one in the future (or a 1973 240Z if I am so lucky).

I don't really know what type of comparision you are looking for, if you have more specific questions I would be more than happy to answer them for you though.

 

I know a stroked L28 to a L31 or L32 can be real deadily. Less computer to worry about and more mechanics and carb tunning. Not MPG friendly but it will keep you in there. Has torque all through the curve. The VQ35 is a good motor and is more efficient than the L24,L26 or L28. And more power can be squeezed out of it as well. The problem is our cars need to shave weight and the ECU is a sore spot as well. Something the early Z's didnt have a problem with. I am 240z owner as well. So I am trying to stradle the fence. Lol.

 

I am a former 260Z owner. The difference is like night and day. The 350Z is 3.5 liters vs 2.6. A considerable difference in horsepower and torque. I suggest that you...

set a budget
drive the cars that you mentioned
buy the one that you like best.

 

Thanks for the replys. yeah.. I got the budget thing and most of the rest figured out.

I think I just need to do some good test driving, and see what's happening there.

I'll post on here whenever I do decide what to get and let you know why.

 

No comparison, I have had a 240 and 2 280's. The 350 is a completely different animal. I have the roadster and modded it, its unbelieveable!!

 

I owned a 1982 280z from 1982 to 1994. I then owned a 300zx from '94 to present. Last year I purchased a 2005 350ZR. Let me tell you that each of these cars are so different as to make comparisons difficult. However they all share a certain "Zedness" ( or for you Americans, "Zeeness" - which sounds sort of woosie and points out the deficiencies in the US pronounciation - let's see "zeeeeee" or "ZED!", but I digress) that is difficult to describe. Rest assured that if you enjoyed your 280z you will love the 350z!\
Cheers.

 

Thats a ZX, sir. I owned a 79..loved her to death, and I have to stay in the family. When no 300ZX TT turned up, I went for the newer babe. Can't say i'm complaining!

I like saying Zed ever since I heard Tiff Needell say it...its def awesome!