I've been here for three days and it blows me away. I don't understand how so many people who claim to be "car enthusiests" can be so narrow minded.

As far as the reliability of the motors Nissan fanboi's do you want to try and explain why people have replaced the stock motor with a Chevy LSx When it comes to making reliable power LSx > VQ35

Anyways to the OP you've heard both sides of the arguement. The potential for an extremely quick GTO is relatively cheap compared to the Z. The Z handles better, but the Goat isn't nearly as bad as everyone on here says. With some stiffening up of the chasis the Goat should be just fine. Either way like you said drive both on the same day and see which one appeals to you more. This is all coming from a guy who will more then likely be purchasing a Z within the next month.


BTW I've always had a sweet spot for a cam'd LSx

 

"You'll enjoy either one, but the Z you'll enjoy longer." - Smart Auto Perf

You know ^^^ is right. But, I think most people would trade out before they wear out either one of these cars imo. That isn't me. I get over 200K miles on a car then I sell them off. Both cars, if taken care of; should hit those numbers. Either car, if you beat on it without mercy will fail.

 

so explain why my brother's 7 year old camaro has had no major issues, while my new 06 350z had major mechanical/electrical problems(Hence why I sold that POS)

retard.

 

I didn't have major problems with my 03 compared to your 06

I don't doubt the reliability of a LS motor though. Only problem my friend had with his GTO were the O2 sensors, some interior stuff, and his rear end not being aligned properly from factory.

 

All forums have fanboys. What're you gonna' do? Believe me, the more levelheaded lot of us like them just as little as you do.

Good point. An assortment of older DEs and a lot of Rev-ups will burn oil.

 

Saw this thread and though the OP was comparing a Z to an actual Goat.



The GTO is nice, but you really have to look at what gas prices are doing now. Yeah, I'd love to have 6 liters of LS goodness, but a possible $4 a gal. price is keeping my pecker down.

The main reason I looked at the Z was because it was a beautiful car, quick, and was relatively good on gas for a sports car. The only reason I'm not still looking at one is because I don't fit all that well, and unless someone wants to mod the seating position and all, it's not in the cards.

In the end, at your age I would check out the Z. It will cost less in the long run (hopefully!) as long as you don't get on it too hard.

Also, are you in college or are you considering college at all?

 

The GTO gets comparable gas mileage to the Z.

 

15/23 and 20/26 isn't that close IMO

My buddy hates driving his GTO around

 

Corrected your GTO mileage numbers for you...

 

Maybe in EPA testing only. I honestly think there will be a big difference in real world mileage. Plus, it all depends on how you drive it, not what some gov. tests say.

 

I stand corrected.

 

Yeah, I typically get 23-24 mixed driving and 28+ on the interstate. I haven't really had a road trip in my buddy's goat but I do know that he practically refuses to drive where I'm at now because of gas.

 

I went through the same decision making process and ended up making a small payment on an 07 Z.

For some background - close friend in high school got an 04 GTO when his car broke down (it was his mom's and she rode a bike to work, he lived 25 miles from school). He'd blown the motor in his car and while he and his dad built it he got his mom's GTO, which has subsequently become his. I loved the car, it drove great, it did everything, except it had a larger amount of brake dive that I would have liked. The LS2 goats were even better - when I was looking it was 06 GTO (new) or used Z .... the new Z was 5 grand more than the GTO, but the difference in driving was amazing. The Z is very impressive when you push it (even in stock form). The GTO feels more soft (in typical stock car form). If you get beyond the tires grip in the Z - once you learn the car it is completely correctable and avoidable, something my BMW NEVER exhibited (even with suspension work) and something the GTO didn't (albiet, not extensive in my driving history) lend to me as its strong point.

Now - I drag race a lot, and the GTO's are awesome for that, fast, easy to mod, reliable, tuneable (the factory ECU might as well be a stand alone for the tuning options) and they don't get worse gas mileage than the HR powered Z's, the downside to me was that the value on the GTO would hit a lower mark faster (3-5 year term lose more value, 6-8 year term the same loss) because it wasn't a timeless design.

FWIW my dad has an LS2 vette and I have more driver feedback from my Z than the Vette - the Vette is faster but it doesn't inspire as much confidence in me going around a corner.

 

So are you saying that only the GTO's mileage is affected by the type of driving?


The mileage of the two vehicles is comparable.

 

Piston slap was just on start up in most cases and a lot fewer cases than the tire feathering issues the Z had. The point is all cars will have some defective units.

In my case, no piston slap, no tire feathering. I love both cars. But, you have put your money on a stock LS1 against a stock 350Z. Modded, you can make a hecka fast car for cheap out of a LS1/LS2 motorized car. For less than $2000 you can be making over 450HP to the rear wheels. You'd be lucky to break 335rwhp for the same $2000 put in a Z. That is about what a stock LS1 puts down with 0 mods. The LS2 puts down closer to 360rwhp but, as we have noted it's a few hundred pounds heavier.

Like I said, I LOVE both cars .... but, you need to be real about these things.

My friends always vote to keep the Bird and sell the Z when I ask them. That's because they have ridden in both.
Actually, the Bird would make a better DD if it wasn't so big and didn't have such huge doors. That's it's draw backs. The GTO is better in one of those areas. But, it still looks like a basic sedan to me. The G8 is better looking imo. But, it is most likely out of the range cost wise for the OP.

 

If we liked GTOs more than Zs we'd all be on mygto.com.

 

I agree, however, not liking the car due to personal opinion is one thing. Not liking them because of believing incorrect information regarding the vehicle is nothing more than ignorance.

 

I'm just glad I've driven both of these cars

 

Me too. If the decision is between the GTO and 350Z. I'd take the 350Z everytime !!! If I needed 4 seats it would be G35 or G37 for sure.

 

I do like the G-series as well, but I think I am going to stick with the Z over this. Thanks for your opinion. These are all helpful comments; keep them coming!