300zx vs 350z
09-03-2007, 02:55 PM
#103
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I was thinking about getting a VR4, too. They've got power, and the AWD makes them link up like a dream, but the cars are so damned heavy that you need to increase the already substantial power in order to run with top level cars. They can be extremely quick, though, and they handle like they're on rails. Comfy, too.
By the way, I drove an auto Z32 and it's fun, but not nearly as fun as the 5-Speed. Personally, I -NEED- to have some sort of control over the shifting, and that's why I went tiptronic. Hell, in my F150, I used to bang through first and second and then shift it into drive because I couldn't stand letting the car do the work all the time. Z32's are strictly auto.
By the way, I drove an auto Z32 and it's fun, but not nearly as fun as the 5-Speed. Personally, I -NEED- to have some sort of control over the shifting, and that's why I went tiptronic. Hell, in my F150, I used to bang through first and second and then shift it into drive because I couldn't stand letting the car do the work all the time. Z32's are strictly auto.
Last edited by Fairly Z; 09-03-2007 at 03:00 PM.
09-03-2007, 07:37 PM
#104
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Originally Posted by Jarred@Z1
It all comes down on how much money you have to spend. I’ve had a lot of experience with both cars. The 300 is more of an early 90's car like the supra. I personally think the 350z handles better than the 300 stock to stock. It feels lighter and more nimble. The 300zx TT is much faster on the highway with slight modifications. It all comes down to what you want to do with the car. The 300zx is a much better base for a power house without breaking into the motor than the 350, at least in my experience, but it will be expensive to maintain. Parts for the 300 are more expensive than they are for the 350, not to mention they don’t make much for the 300 anymore. I prefer the 350. It’s reliable, easy to work on and easy to get parts for. If I did more highway driving, I might get a 300zx just to have the power. I’ve been in a 600hp 300zx on the highway and a 550hp 350z, and the 300zx has the legs (top end is hard to beat on those cars) but the 350z feels more stable at speed than the 300zx does. I also have a problem with the T-tops. Typically, if they were not taken off on a regular basis depending on where the car was, if you take them off for the first time in a long time they leak and the seals are expensive and definitely not fun to install. It all comes down to what you like. I prefer the way a 350 feels, but I think the 300zx looks better – much more ahead of its time almost like Lamborghini or Ferrari. It’s all down to you and what you want the car for. Oh, if you can find a 95 it’s the best year to have the engine and head design on the tt is stronger and better for power.
It's hard to find parts for the 300? Which parts would that be? The only part that I am aware of that might be difficlut to get new is the EFI harness. It seems as though the aftermarket is as strong as it ever was. People are still coming out better and more reliable parts for a 17 year old car. I would almost be willing to bet the after market, new parts that is, is just the same as what's going on for the 350. The 300's potential I think is "STILL" untapped. I own/have owned all 3 cars. My first was an N/A 300. That is strictly a commuter car unless you do a TT swap. The 300TT I still have, the 350 sold. 300 vs 350 z, both are great cars. The 300 handles just as well as the 350. 350 does feel more stable because of the lack of the HICAS system. Some people loved the HICAS system, most hated it. Handling wise, if it werent for the HICAS I doubt a 350 would touch a 300. Only because with the HICAS the 300 is not as nearly predictable as the 350.
09-04-2007, 09:41 AM
#105
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I used to owned a black 91 300ZXTT. With the cusco suspension and a upgrade Turbo. thats was a beast to drive. Gas is bad on this car. I might get like 10mph-14mpg. I lived in NJ and its hard to find parts in the junk yard. I can't even find any damn brake calipers to replace when it broke down due to all the damn 240 brake upgrade. It does have a thermostate problem and Time belt is a hassle to change.
I raced with a couple of 350 two years ago and they are not in the league at all.
Go for it if you have money. Its a beast.
I raced with a couple of 350 two years ago and they are not in the league at all.
Go for it if you have money. Its a beast.
10-22-2007, 01:18 PM
#107
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i have a 300zx and i love aspect of it i would never go back to any other car pretty soon going to do the NA to TT swap costing around 3g parts and everything i love it..what you can do is buy a NA shell then pick up the motor which has 60,000 JDM miles for 1,200 bucks and put it right in that what i am doing good luck but if you buy a Z32 u wont ever go back
and yes the Z32TT out performs the 350z by 4 car lengths because my friend has raced one but anything you buy IT'S STILL A Z SO YOU WONT GO WRONG
and yes the Z32TT out performs the 350z by 4 car lengths because my friend has raced one but anything you buy IT'S STILL A Z SO YOU WONT GO WRONG
10-22-2007, 01:51 PM
#108
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350/300
I have a 93 TT and an 05 35th Anniversary... one has 2 turbos, both have after market exhausts, modified intakes, both are stick- TT is 5sp, 350 is 6sp.
The TT is definately a nice car, it is quite a bit harder to drive than my 350, but I think it's also quite a bit faster. ( it's not stock- but I've never raced both cars back to back- just using my seat of pants comparison )
Honestly, it feels old and tired, granted it is old- very few TT's are still running where I live. It has less than 85K miles so I've decided to just park it in my garage and give it to my son when he gets older- He was born in 93- same year as the TT.
My 350- well, it's a LOT newer and it has all the techno toys- Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control... it really is MUCH easier to drive( especially in the rain )- both physically as well an mentally. Plus- I still have a warranty for the next 5 years- no payee for any breakee!!! unlike my TT which will be 100% on my wallet. ( turbos, tranny.... it is inevitable for mechanicals to be replaced )
If it were my kid I were setting up in a 300zxtt or a 350z ( btw, I hooked him up with a Celica GT-S w/TRD package w/auto trans... looks fast but is really sloooowww ) ... money aside- I'd hook him up with the 350z- it's MUCH safer, side and curtain airbags, more stable suspension, vcd, tc, etc...
My take?
Get a 350Z... financially it will be easier on you even if you have to make payments because you can budget for the payments... vs having to budget for "incidentals" oops- I blew my clutch... oops, I blew one of my turbos... oops, I blew the computer for my adjustable suspension... etc... etc. Both cars are faster and handle better than 80% of the cars on the road, so you will be happy either way... its just that an old car is still an old car... even if it is a Z...
D
The TT is definately a nice car, it is quite a bit harder to drive than my 350, but I think it's also quite a bit faster. ( it's not stock- but I've never raced both cars back to back- just using my seat of pants comparison )
Honestly, it feels old and tired, granted it is old- very few TT's are still running where I live. It has less than 85K miles so I've decided to just park it in my garage and give it to my son when he gets older- He was born in 93- same year as the TT.
My 350- well, it's a LOT newer and it has all the techno toys- Traction Control, Vehicle Dynamic Control... it really is MUCH easier to drive( especially in the rain )- both physically as well an mentally. Plus- I still have a warranty for the next 5 years- no payee for any breakee!!! unlike my TT which will be 100% on my wallet. ( turbos, tranny.... it is inevitable for mechanicals to be replaced )
If it were my kid I were setting up in a 300zxtt or a 350z ( btw, I hooked him up with a Celica GT-S w/TRD package w/auto trans... looks fast but is really sloooowww ) ... money aside- I'd hook him up with the 350z- it's MUCH safer, side and curtain airbags, more stable suspension, vcd, tc, etc...
My take?
Get a 350Z... financially it will be easier on you even if you have to make payments because you can budget for the payments... vs having to budget for "incidentals" oops- I blew my clutch... oops, I blew one of my turbos... oops, I blew the computer for my adjustable suspension... etc... etc. Both cars are faster and handle better than 80% of the cars on the road, so you will be happy either way... its just that an old car is still an old car... even if it is a Z...
D
10-22-2007, 01:58 PM
#110
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There are a lot of pages on this! Sorry I haven't read them all...
I have a 1990 300zx non-turbo. It's really not that unreliable.. the motor and tranny were rebuilt and the only major work I have done to it was replacing the power steering. The tt version will keep up with 350zs, considering they are 300 hp and a little lighter. This is assuming it has been taken care of and maintained.
You shouldn't pay anywhere near 15K for a 300zx though.. mine is in great condition and I now feel that I overpayed at 7,500. Find one in great condition for under that much and put a little work into it.
They are much more rare than 350zs, you hardly ever see them. In the last 15 months I have lived in Richmond, I have only seen 5 other z32s than my own. (Besides events) I maybe saw one or two my whole life that I can remember in Northern Va.
I have a 1990 300zx non-turbo. It's really not that unreliable.. the motor and tranny were rebuilt and the only major work I have done to it was replacing the power steering. The tt version will keep up with 350zs, considering they are 300 hp and a little lighter. This is assuming it has been taken care of and maintained.
You shouldn't pay anywhere near 15K for a 300zx though.. mine is in great condition and I now feel that I overpayed at 7,500. Find one in great condition for under that much and put a little work into it.
They are much more rare than 350zs, you hardly ever see them. In the last 15 months I have lived in Richmond, I have only seen 5 other z32s than my own. (Besides events) I maybe saw one or two my whole life that I can remember in Northern Va.
10-22-2007, 02:39 PM
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VR4's do not handle amazingly well, and personally I think their body design lacks. They look like boats with four wheels. Yeah, the power is fine, but it's still way too heavy-- even with reduction (seats, hood, interior).
Anyways, back to the topic ... I am in agreement with the 350. The TT will give major problems for the used price tag. You better drop money into upgrading the oem parts for daily driving, or they will come back to haunt your wallet. And the mpg sucks for the TT to be a DD for long trips to work or school.
But if you can afford it all-- the 300ZX will rock your world. However, the price on the 300ZX needs to drop already. I want one to be my weekend project.
Anyways, back to the topic ... I am in agreement with the 350. The TT will give major problems for the used price tag. You better drop money into upgrading the oem parts for daily driving, or they will come back to haunt your wallet. And the mpg sucks for the TT to be a DD for long trips to work or school.
But if you can afford it all-- the 300ZX will rock your world. However, the price on the 300ZX needs to drop already. I want one to be my weekend project.
10-22-2007, 03:26 PM
#113
I lost my 90 300zxtt to katrina, after a piston meltdown from overboosting. I learned the vg30dett is a very expensive motor to rebuild. Even with aftermarket parts. I always wanted a 300zx growing up it was my dream car, but after watching my dreams get washed away. And a nice check from refinancing my house after the hurricane I went with the 350z. Maintance is very expensive on those cars and buying one as old as it is, unless it is low mileage its about time for things to start going out. But check out twinturbo.net you can find more helpful information there if you are intersted in the 300zx.
10-22-2007, 04:19 PM
#114
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guys...I bought and crashed my 350 already...the zx isn't even an option anymore...look at the date, this thread is old. I think I'll get a wrangler, I've always wanted one.
10-22-2007, 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Hyee
guys...I bought and crashed my 350 already...the zx isn't even an option anymore...look at the date, this thread is old. I think I'll get a wrangler, I've always wanted one.
Now I think I'll go get
Then sleep this horror story off
