I'm really satisfied with the grunt and growl of the Z, the car simply performs and sticks very well. Nissan made this car's torque useable at any RPM, it isn't really a high winded motor, reminds me alot of a 5.0 mustang motor lots of torque but this car actually handles! HOw does the Z compare to my '02 M3, very similiar actually.. handling wise it has the same feel as my M3 a very solid firm ride with minimal body roll. Steering wheel similar as well, nice, thick and a feel that isn't over assisted by a power steering pump. Low RPM(below 4500rpms) range the torque&HP feel actually as strong or slighty even stronger then my 333hp M3. The M3 of course has a 8000rpm redline it suddenly blasts off were at 6500rpm Z runs out of steam.. gearbox/clutch hands down the M3 gearbox gets beat by the Z slick short shifting throws, my 10yr old brother didn't have one miss shift throwing the gears from the passenger side*chuckles*. I was a bit optimistic about the Z and without a doubt after having this car for 3days it feels like "muscle" something rarely used for a Japanese car*griN*. For $18000 dollar less than my M3 this car really hits a sweet spot.. I just keep looking back wondering were the back seats are hehe. You guys will really enjoy the Z!

 

follow the link http://www.zcar.com/forums/read.php?f=5&i=61212&t=61212

 

youre trying to make me cry arent you?

 

thanks for the comparison!

 

This really means a lot comming from an M3 owner. My friend has a 2002 M3 as well. It was my intention of buying a M3 after reading the great reviews. But I had some problems with my previous BMW so I was open for other ideas. When the 350Z caught my attention I figured it was a worthy alternative. I'm not saying the 350Z is a better car, but like you said $18K is a lot of money to step up to the M3. I could have afforded the M3, but I will enjoy having that extra money to spend on other things.

I have noticed that the M3 likes to be compaired to more expencive cars particularly the 911 (Performance of the 911 for less). Will if the Z can be compaired to the M3 than that also means the Z can be compaired to the 911 (another favorite car of mine). It is not just me but at least two car magazines have compaired the Z's handeling to the M3 and were impressed with how well the Z behaves at the limit. Also Forbes magazine compaired the Z's track behavior and power to the 911. Like I said the Z is definitly down on power compaired to these two cars, but it is a nice alternative for the price.

 

i wouldnt compare the Z to the boxster because its a convertible. Also, personally I think that the boxster is the canker sore of porche (appearance wise).

In my opinion, it is more that reasonable to compare the Z to the 911. Its almost like the Z is porche's younger hoodlum brother. The boxster is porche's wannabe rich younger brother.