Hey all,
I am new here, and do NOT own a 350z... Yet.

I am looking to get a z to have as a fun car. Ii was wondering if there is a large difference between the older year models vs. the newer 2007-2009's?

I have no problem getting and older 2003-2005, but if the newer models have large improvements, i will try for a newer year.


Thanks for any info...

 

Yes it is a very large difference. If you can, buy 2007+ Z.

 

Did you search at all? I googled the name of this thread verbatim except had to put a "z" at the end of 350 and everything you'd need to know came up.

If you can afford it, get a 2007+
I wish I would have.

 

As already noted,there are differences.
I'd suggest you determine what you intend to to do with your Z IF YOU BUY ONE.
Also(critical)your budget.
You mentioned a "fun" car.Just something to knock around/driving or,serious
performance.Are you a car guy,do your own work?Is design and style your focus?

Need to answer these things before beginning your search.

 

Welcome to the forum. As LandonG03z asked, have you done a search? All the info should be easily found but off the top of my head from
'03 to '05 276hp with 274lb/ft torque, 6600rpm redline, 0-62mph = 5.8seconds. Not a very well thought out interior.

'05, 35th anniversary edition 296hp, 274 lb/ft torque 7000rpm redline, 0-62mph = 5.7 seconds.

'06 redesigned interior, more ergonomic, 300hp, 260lb/ft torque, 7000rpm redline, 0.62mph 5.6 seconds. Rev-up engine introduced to MT cars some of which had an oil consumption problem. Redesigned airbox with a venturi stack (this mod can be retro fitted with a kit) giving a little more power. New lights introduced inc trick LED rears

'07 HR motor introduced shown by bonnet bulge as engine is taller than the DE also has twin air intakes. 313hp, 264lb/ft torque, 7500rpm redline, 0-62mph =5.5 seconds.
Given the choice I'd go for the latest model you can afford, not that the VQ35DE engined cars were bad, but as with any car through its life cycle they get better.
There is a fair chance i've made a couple of mistakes regarding dates, power etc etc and have probably omitted to mention things, but this is from memory, do a proper search for confirmed data

 

The top of your head is wrong.

03-05 excluding 35th ed. had 287 hp
05 35th anniversary ed. M/T had 300hp with the revup
06 revup 300hp for M/T, auto's received the 287hp
07-08 HR 306hp

 

Welcome to my350z, follow to the link and briefly go over it...post #11 has a little more but basically what the members have already put out!

https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-n...questions.html

 

The differences between the model years are laid out fairly well on Wikipedia, and the info there is a lot more accurate than what's on this thread.

After 2007, the hp figures used by Nissan were ASE Certified, which meant that the advertised numbers ended up being less than they would have been prior to that year. In the Middle East for example, Nissan was running print advertisements stating that the 2007 HR model had 236 hp. This claim was made under tests using the old SAE system, which left a lot of room for creativity (i.e., using non-standard octane fuel, cutting off the A/C, etc.). However, stock-for-stock, dyno figures on the HR were significantly higher than on the 2006 and prior models that used the DE engine.

Published factory 0-60 times for 2007+ model years were between 5.1 and 5.5 seconds, depending on who was doing the test and under what conditions. You can do a search for posted quarter mile and 0-60 times on this website. That should give you a better idea of what the differences are between the 2007+ and everything that came before it.

As JCity mentioned, if you want to do engine modifications on your car, you might be better off getting an older model since they had more aftermarket support, particularly with regard to FI options.

 

^^ I agree with your very good advice; Wikipedia does a good job describing differences in 350z models from year to year. This is helpful for someone making a purchase decision.

There are other sites that go into more specific detail (tire/wheel sizes and setups, suspensions, etc.), but that level of minutia isn’t helpful for a new buyer (and you wisely avoid mentioning these).

--Spike

 

Thanks Landon, and yeah, i could google this, but figured why not go directly to a source where there are tons of z lovers... I trust a site like this more than just a random search....

.

When i said fun, i have a decent commute to work -52 miles round trip, and live in maine... I drive an f150 primarily, but weather permitting, want a reliable fun commuter car, high performance is not really a requirement, just reliability, quick enough to get out of its own way, and like the 350's are - good to look at.


I am mostly concerned with if one specific year was prone to troubles, or had issues.

If my budget will permit, i will try for a 2007+ But if i could find a clean low miles older model, i would be ok with that...


Honestly, i have never even sat in a z yet, i need to find one local to me to see how it feels... I just love the look of them, i really like the look of the convertible, so might try for one of them - a roadster... Thanks guys for the info and welcomes.

 

+1

Search is your friend.

 

That's funny, Jxp.
You drive an F150 most of the time and want
a 350Z on the side for fun.

All winter I have been thinking
what fun it would be to drive a
big crew cab 4x4 for a change.