Noobie to the forum here, Ive been reading every thread on this site for about the last month, love the site and everyone seems very knowledgeable. So that's why I'm asking you all this: For the last month I've been dreaming about owning a Z, then last week my friend asked me if I wanted to test out his STI. After driving the STI I realized it's an incredible car but lacks the looks of a Z. Personally, the looks of a car are important but in buying a performance I want the most performance for my dollar, but both the STI and Z give me that. It's now down to a 2004-2005 Z or a 2004 STI . What do you all think? Since it's my money (I'm 19) I'm also interested in running and maintenance costs (tires, brakes, etc.). Let me know any thoughts on this. Thanks

 

For me, I was willing to give up some performance for looks. I think I made the right choice.

Plus, you're in FL. Why would you need an AWD rally car?

But both are nice choices. Test drive both back-to-back and you should have a gut feel for which you'd be happier with.

 

Sti

 

STi

 

Just get an STi if you want performance for your buck....being that you are 19.

I went with the Z because I figured I could eventually make plenty of cars fast. The Z has the sexiness that you can't really upgrade on other 30k cars.

 

I'm nineteen too man. For some reason you'll find more haters if you drive a 350z rather than an STI. At least thats how it is around my neighbordhood. The other day some kid with a Civic Si told me I needed to get a real car. I was dying for a good 10 minutes in front of him. Anyway man. STI's are awesome but you gotta take care of em and not beat on em too much.

 

i was in the market for both of those cars just over a year ago and obviously ended up getting the Z. everybody made good points on both cars with performance for the dollar on the STI and the looks of the Z. i decided on the z for the look factor and although not as fast as STI its not like its slow either. i think youll make the right choice. oh yeah and i had just turn 20 when i bought my Z so i guess i was the same age as you. good luck.

 

Z - nuff sedd

 

insurance: 350z
performance: STi

seeing u are 19, get the 350z.

 

Both are excellent cars . Drive both and get the one that you want. I have no objective data to support this, but generally forced-induction motors (STi ) are less reliable than naturally-aspirated. That's just common sense.

 

I debated between the Evo, STI and Z for a few months as well. I was upgrading from a heavily modified WRX and wasn't sure if I wanted to go with the sheer torque and power of the STI, the pure speed of the Evo and the overall balance and gorgeous looks of the Z. After test driving all three extensively and comparing features and performance, I would of chosen the STI, BUT I ended up going with the Z since there is no local Subaru dealership, the cost for parts is a LOT more than the Z. The Z ended up being more feasible for me, but my true perference would of been the STI for the added trunk and passenger capability. No regrets with the Z, I love the looks and attention of it instead of the "what is that" I got with the Subaru.

 

Both cars in my opinion will perform well. I was in the same situation as u buddy. When i was 19, i had a choice of either the evo, sti, g35, and Z. All the cars performed well but the Z jus looked so damn good. I wish i can own both the evo and 350z. The way i think about it, whether im 19 or 50+, the Z will suit me much better jus incase i get tired of the racing, drifting, etc.

 

lol i went with the Z because there is always atleast three of my friends together, if i had an evo or sti i would always be taking my car, wasting my gas ect. ect. No problem with the Z, just me, the Z, and my girlfriend... haha notice the order

 

sti

 

Thanks for all your input. Those are alot of good points to consider. Being that I am from Miami, everywhere you go you see ferraris, lamborghinis, mercedes, bentleys, and just generally fast cars. I've been dying to drive fast, I mean my last car was a 4 banger '98 accord which didn't even have the speed to pass a car on the highway. So my next question to you owners is How fast is the Z? I've read all the numbers but the real input comes from the drivers.

 

STI for kicking ***
Z for looks.

 

s2k

 

But with all do respect I'm glad I live here...if it wasn't for hurricane katrina flooding my slow ride I would still be putting around Miami looking like a d*uche

 

Many 19 year olds do die driving fast.

 

if i lived in fl...i'd say either a s2k or convert 350z gotta have the top down on those warm miami days