WYZIWYG

And by that very same logic, will our cars be difficult to maintain as they age???

welles

iTrader: (1)

Having owned a '93 Z32 TT, and as a current owner of a Z33, I think I have a reasonably informed opinion on this.

While it's true that the Z32 was a significantly more expensive car than the Z33, a lot of the reason for that has to do with the fact that the Z32 did not (to my knowledge) share its' platform with anything else in the Nissan line, whereas the Z33 owes its' existence to the G35. Higher volume=lower cost. To suggest that the Z32 somehow represents a higher level of engineering than the Z33 is just nonsense - the Z32 design is 15+ years old, and the Z33 benefits from the lessons learned in the meantime.

I would agree that the interior and exterior design of the Z32 were more attractive, but that's a subjective thing. The ergonomics of the Z33 (in particular, the seats, which are MUCH more supportive) are in general better.

The Z32 TT was at least equal in performance and handling to several Porsches of its' time, and of course, was much more reliable and cheaper to maintain than any of its' German rivals. But it achieved this performance with complexity (twin turbos, rear wheel steering) and weight (3600 lbs.). The Z33 offers superior handling, a more livable ride, more comfort (lower interior noise level), and better fuel economy (for me, 19 mpg in the Z33 vs. 15 in the Z32 TT).

Bottom line, it's no contest. The Z33 is a superior car at a lower price relative to the Z32 TT. The best of both worlds.

jcs4

iTrader: (5)

If you ever have looked at or worked on VG30Dett motor you will know they are very difficult. First off the 350z has a timing chain that doesn't need the 60K replacements that the 300zx needs. Second the 300zx engine bay tight and the ancillary components get very hot..what you end up with are a bunch of brittle vacuum hoses and engine harness clips/wires. The 350z is much more clutter free. The 350z should be near maintence free for 100k miles (minus oil changes, plugs, etc).

jcs4

iTrader: (5)

I agree with Welles, stock for stock for the money the Z33 cannot be beat. But if it comes to being a classic car (just about every magazine puts the 300zx as the top 100 cars of all time) and modifiable the 300zx is tough to beat. Again thats compairing a car double in price (almost) thats twin turbo to a n/a car..not really fair. But like i said i have the best of both worlds as i have both.

chuckie311

iTrader: (2)

had a 300ztt it was nice but love the 350z much more..

Alang

iTrader: (1)

Having owned both, the Z32TT for sure. In fact the reason I have a Z33 is that I couldn't find a low milage Z32TT. For me a stock to stock comparison is unreasonable since I never leave my vehicles stock. It would cost less money to improve the Z32s suspension to rival a modified Z33 than it would be to increase the Z33s HP to rival a modified Z32.

For about $1200 I got the Z32 to 310whp, and another $1500 for suspension mods that made it handle as well as my current Z33 with S-Tune suspension.

I have well over $3K just into my Z33 motor (cams, exhaust, pop, plenum), and I would be surprised if its over 260whp. Its definatly not as fast as my Z32 was.

Given the choice of a low-milage Z32TT to modify or a new Z33 to modify, its Z32 all the way. Problem is that there are no low-milage Z32TTs to be found, so I am happily "stuck" with the Z33.

Having said that, even after close to 4 years of ownership, I still smile everytime I drive the thing.