350zQ45a

The new G sedan has revised gearing.

It sounds like you are magazine racing anyway. 0-60 should be .2 faster according to Nissan, but the top end will see a more pronounced improvement.

Trust me, you can feel the difference.

Also the 07s do not lose any torque to the original motor, as a I understand. The rev-up does, but under the new SAE ratings the HR is equal if not slighty better in the tq department.

Check the dyno.

You will love any Z you buy. Don't over analyze the 0-60 times of the car.

RX8MiKE

I understand that the handling will not be as good as the RX8, but its close. Which is good enough for me. But what I don't like in the 8 is the lack of power. When youre at the track its "ok" when you keep it at above 7500rpm
but in real life driving. The car is just SLOW. not to mention the street start is 7.6seconds. LOL and the fuel economy is just awful.

Ideally I would go for the 2005 corvette, but... its out of my budget. So the 350z is the next best thing.

HighwaySpeed

"Thanks" for your words of "wisdom" Richard.

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

The 03's might be a few lbs lighter then later years but it's nothing that removing the spare tire, getting a haircut, and going on a diet couldn't overcome.

Zmazing03

iTrader: (9)

I bought an '03 back in May 2006. The car had a new tranny put in it when the original owner had it (under warranty). I've had to have the stereo replaced and window motors reset. Both under Warranty. If you want an '03, go ahead and get one, just get an extended Warranty.

RX8MiKE

is the ride any different?

Axel

iTrader: (1)

I too have an 03, no issues, 41500 to date. I guess all the 06 owners missed the long oil consumption thread. Bottom line- each year had thier issues. As stated many times in this thread, drive it, if you like it buy it-get an extended warranty. Lets move on!

BornSlippyZ

iTrader: (1)

I had an 03 Z enthusiast and the car "felt" quicker.. till I poled it! now I have an 05 base and the 05 doesn't have the mechanical noises that my 03 had. I will find out how the 07 Z drives this weekend.

gabez33

iTrader: (7)

I have an 04.5 PPW and it "feels" quicker than my revup, as far as top end goes...egghh hard to say

03performz

iTrader: (8)

The 03' had many little issues that are covered under TSB's and warranty that are annoying, except one major prob. the tranny. However this is covered under warranty. They replaced mine no hassle and gave me a brand new clutch. I only had 21k mi. on the car at the time. To the guy who said it is 85% driver is full of B.S., doesn't know what he is talking about and pulled that # out of his azz. If you are going to buy 03', get one that had the tranny replaced w/ the 009 tranny. I worked the bugs out of mine and it still only has 22k mi. on her and I wouldn't trader her straight up for an 06'. They have oil consumption probs. and like the other guy said all cars have their probs. Once you work the kinks out your fine.

marques1

iTrader: (5)

I have a o3 z and love it if you are buying a o3 z most likely the z has already gotten the issues dealt with by the previous owner but you should ask the dealership that is selling it and get them to check the trans and feathering problem before you get it. The previous owner did everything on my z so i have no issues at all.

fatjoe

If you buy from a dealer really exercise your negotiating skills. I bought my 03 back in Aug 06 for 19K with 42k miles and haven't had any problems yet.I also received a free new car warranty with it(3 years 36,000 miles).

riskyZ

i have an 03 performance, just make sure you check the trans and smoth shifting.... i am dealing with that right now.... and if it is cold outside try the heater and then stop at a stop light and see if the heater keeps blowing hot...mine doesnt it won't blow hot untill you are rolling again... other than that love it.

freking8

I have a 2003 Touring Model...no problems at all. And yes, after test driving the 2005 and 2004 I do notice it's quicker but any Z is WAYYY better than an RX8. Just drive one yourself and find out

enthuZast

go with the 06

moflow

There isn't that much difference between the years, as far as how the cars drive. Yes Revups have less torque but at 260lbft, the engines are a hell of a lot more tourquey than any other N/A sports car in its class. Likewise 287hp aint too shabby, its not like the 03-05's have no power up top. The question is, how much wear are you willing to deal with? If you buy new you know no one else has abused it plus you get the new engine. I'd definately urge you to get an 07 if its financially feasable. If not, get the newest car you can afford. Splitting hairs about 03 vs 05 vs revup should not be your biggest concern.

LastODJedi

I have am '05 w/22000 and aside from the tire feathering, no problems. Get what you can afford, that's the best advice.