So, I can't find the search method for the "VS" thread, and this really isn't a straight up versus question. I currently own an IS350, love it, but don't like the lack of sporty feel (though in power mode, it does get a bit more sporty), and the 4 doors. I have been seriously thinking of getting the 350Z and now with the new 07 engine upgrades, I am almost going to do it. However, I have a few questions that I could not somehow find on the search method here, or missed it, so please bare with me.

1) Is there a HP/Performance difference if I choose the automatic version over the manual? I know there were differences in the previous years, same thing with the G, but for the 07, I see no performance or HP differences if choosing one over the other. Yes, I have to choose auto because my girlfriend will be driving it every now and then and because my commutes consist of being on the highway for an hour and half to 2 hours for a 20 mile drive.

2) Would it be safe to assume (other than the fact that the Z has many more aftermarket parts available) that the new 07 Z (auto) can outperform an IS350 on the street?

Those are really my main focal points on this. Thanks in advance for any knowledge you can pass on with the differences on these cars and the transmission...and any other general facts or points you want to make out.

 

Check the specifications at nissanusa.com.

 

davidv, I did, and it doesn't show any difference in hp count between the transmissions. and, after multiple searches (and I know you guys hate this..see I do read before posting ) on their site, they don't list the 0-60 times, so I could not see if there was a performance difference there.

 

Car and Driver claims that it is the same hp for both transmissions.
http://www.caranddriver.com/carnews/...ssan-350z.html

 

the is350 is a nice car, why are you getting rid of it.

 

The HP is the same for automatic and manual transmissions.

We have manual drivers who are faster than automatic drivers. We have automatic drivers who are faster than manual. See https://my350z.com/forum/drag/233840-top-25-1-4-mile-times-for-tt-st-supercharger-nitrous-bolt-ons-stock.html for the numbers. The mention of manual vs automatic always starts a war around hear. I don't want to go there.

 

1. No difference
2. Very similar performace.

 

For starters, this was my first 4 door, always had 2 doors in my life. Second, and you probably read the reviews on the IS350 (and this is one of the very few negatives it actually gets) is that it just does not feel or sound sporty. I've always loved the Z, and with this new 07 model, it just seems like the right time. It really is either get the Z or pop in a $5500 supercharger running on 5PSI for the IS350....problem is, I go to the Nissan dealer tomorrow, and I just might be too weak to say no.

I always get accolades for my slightly modified IS350...but in the end, it's a sports sedan compared to a sports car...

 

Time for a test drive...

 

Now we are talking! Go 10 PSI.

 

I was in the same boat as you as in which car to get, the IS350 or the real 350 the Z of course! As you can see, this is what ended up in my driveway!

Another reason I chose the Z was mainly because I had seen way too many female drivers riding in the IS, just seemed more of a mid-age female car man, you know?
Peace!

 

I'd rather own a Auto IS350, then an AUTO Z,

but Id get a 6spd Z, over a Auto IS350, which is what I did. Keep the IS350. Nice car for about two, years, then sell it get the new body Z. Id keep it 2-3 years if i was you

 

Well I have both. The power is the same in both cars with the edge to the Z. The Is350 is dull if your looking for a sport car feel. Cornering feels unbalanced to but as a four door car its great. When ever I drive the IS I feel bored but Im bias. Get the Z if its practical for you. Other wise keep it because its a good car just not a sports car.

 

i have an 06 Z...and i love it!!enough said

 

If you are willing to lose the amount of money you would on trading in the IS-350 for the Z then why don't you wait for the GTR and you will be losing 35,000 in the trade in instead of $15,000?

Seriously I've ridden in the IS350 and own my 350z and was thinking the IS 350 would be my next car. Don't like the exhaust? Get a custom one done. Want more perfomance? Fabricate a turbo kit. Just take the monrey you would lose in the trade in and put it towards making your IS350 outperform any stock Z.

Just my thought.

 

Thanks. I currently do have the SP2 Greddy on and it sounds great. Also lower it and added the Fujita air intake. And again, with the newly discovered "Power" ECT version on this, it does feel more sporty and definitely feel the gains, especially when I am at normal drive in 6th gear and I step on the gas and see that the car downshifted all the way down to 3 and the rush of speed comes out...but still, it's not a Z.

There is a well respected shop in Cali that has made the supercharger for this car running at 5psi (they haven't found any owners willing to test it beyond that) with some nice real gains of 60 or so horsies at $5500, complete bolt on. So, if I do decide not to go the Z route, I'd definitely be on the supercharger.

 

I noticed on a couple of threads about the hinting of the next gen Z. Is this confirmed, and if so, is it confirmed to be out in 2008 or 2009? If it's 2008 that would make a HUGE impact on whether or not I buy the current gen, if it's 2009, I'll still be going back and forth on purchasing it then. Spanks!

 

The ride in the Z is definately going to be bumpier, you will hear more road noise and rattles while in the Z. But I bet you already knew that.


Best bet, have you and your wife test drive one!

 

Still speculation...I wouldn't trust anyone that says the Gt-r or a 3.7 is coming out in the nest year without seeing some real evidence

 

I've driven an IS350 and my sister currently owns a IS250. I also work at a Lexus dealership. As far as performance is concerned on the car, I'd say they are comparable. It comes down to a drivers race, especially with the the auto vs manual debate on the Z. I've raced a friends manual in my Z (auto). Granted these were 2004 models virtually stock with exception of Pop Charger on both. I managed to stay in front with the driver's door at the tip of his nose.

I have 2 complaints about the IS. I am not sure if you are experiencing this with your car. One is the brakes. When applying light pressure you get a squeal coming front the front brakes and the brake dust is ridiculous. The brakes do grip like a ***** but the noise and dust annoys me. I believe it is the pads that are causing the problem. Also on the IS350 I found the suspension to be a bit "soft" (traction control on or off) for the power the car has. I'd consider this to be a big factor when comparing the 2 vehicles. The Z is definitely tighter and handles better on the corners. Don't get me wrong I still love the IS and it is a wonderful car. But I do believe the Z is a better performer (and I'm partially biased towards Nissan ).

I have yet to test drive the '07 model 350Z but I am sure it is not far off from the previous years. I do like how the auto and man now comes with the same specs even though the diff was not that big of a deal in previous years. As far as the upgrade on the next gen Z so far all that I've read, and yes it may still be speculation but, 2009 seems like the year for major changes in the Z. Don't forget the Challenger also is supposed to be available then