Should I get a 2007/2008 350z HR or 2005-2009 Mustang GT
 

I am currently in the market for a new vehicle (I just sold my 2005 Mustang V6). The V6 was cool and all but it just wasn't a GT so I decided to sell it and upgrade. I have found myself loving 350z's lately they look amazing and are real head turners. I know I would love a Mustang GT because I loved the V6 and it's an upgrade in every aspect (except gas mileage haha). I was wondering if anyone here came from a 2005-2009 Mustang GT to a 350z. I'd like to know the Pros/Cons and if it was worth it. The Mustang Community is relatively TOXIC while everyone in the Z community seems friendly and helpful, then again "Everyone and their Mother has a Mustang". Thanks!

Hoooboy, I see where this is gonna go. Take it easy, people.....

IMO, I have nothing against Mustangs and actually would consider one of the higher end - specialty - models were I shopping for a NEW GT car.

But honestly, don't think I'd ever actually buy one given my long standing affair with Nissan/Datsuns, preferring to consider other older iron from Nissan, e.g., GTR (R32/R33). I still find Mustangs a little, well, juvenile.... (although the new crowd buying Z33s looking for spoonfeeding.... :icon22:)

Just $.02.... and what do expect coming to a Z forum and asking that question? :icon17:

That is why I came here haha, people here have the info I want. I'm leaning towards the 350z, I'd just like some reassurance is all.

I'm not a huge fan of the model years you mentioned ... seems under-powered, heavy, bad suspension, dime-a-dozen out there...The newer ones are better but...not a huge mustang guy, I respect them and the guys that run them but just no my cup of tea (and I daily an F150)...

why an 07 - 08? what about droppind down to a 03 - 06 (DE engine).

I bet you'll pay 50% as much
may (or may not) have as many miles
yes, you'll have to sort through many vehicles that have been abused or hacked up

If you're doing it for the increase in power, consider a DE and bolt on a $5k turbo/supercharger 6 - 8psi kit...you'll run 375 to 400 safely all day long, 100hp more than an HR and you'll still have money left over...

For the years you mentioned, 350Z HR is the easy choice. Better in basically every way.

Performance, reliability, looks (IMO obviously), and fuel efficiency the 350Z crushes the GT.

I still have people ask me what kind of car mine is, and are blown away when I tell them that it's 10 years old now.

The only thing that would make me get the Mustang over the 350Z is the necessity of rear seats... And cost of upgrades are much cheaper for the GT if you want to go heavy on modding.

I've just always heard that the HR's are just better overall and I have found a few the same price as the DE's.

right on ... use your due-diligence with any vehicle purchase and have a third party/independent mechanic look it over before you sign papers.

if you get the hr... plan on doing a slave replacement eventually

When do they usually go? I'm at 72k and no issues yet. Although I am unsure if Nissan changed it when they changed my transmission and clutch under warranty years ago (when they put the wrong fluid in)

i bought my car with 33k miles on it, and it went out 6 weeks after i bought it.... i raised hell with dealership and they replaced it at cost, but with oem again. about a year later.... it went out again. replaced it with the zspeed hd one and never had another issue the last 2 years i had it

The only knock I have on the Mustang in my limited experience (sat in a few) is front visibility. The hood is long and flat, while the hood on the Z is shorter and drops away nicely. Combined with the Mustang's higher, squarish dash and I felt like I was sitting inside a tank. I assume the Camaro is even worst given its gun slit windows. The Z's main gauge pod plus waterfall center combination occupies less room and seems positioned better. So generally it feels more "airy" or spacious despite actually being smaller inside then the pony cars. Just be aware the Z has a really bad rear 3/4 view (huge blind spot). Down side is the rear strut bar getting in the way but I still think hatchbacks are easy to load then trunks when dealing with small objects. If you must have rear seats and a trunk then the G35/37 is the car you want. The Infiniti's also have way better sound proofing, interior bits and a softer ride which makes them better as a daily driver.

Not sure how helpful it is since the last mustang I had was a 99 GT, but heres my 2 cents.

I daily drove my 05 350z for about 3 years and then picked up a 99 mustang GT in a trade. I had the mustang for about 2 weeks before putting it up for sale. I just couldn't stand the way it drove. It didn't put down power anywhere near as smooth as the Z and it handled like a nightmare. I live for back roads and the way the mustang handled was a huge deal breaker for me. I daily a 95 F150 now and sometimes I feel that it handles just about as well as the mustang. One good thing about the GT though was the toque of that v8. It was pretty different having that much power in the low RPM range.

Mustangs have come a long way since then so not sure if any of this is relevant, but I have had A LOT of vehicles and my Z is by far my favorite one.

Good luck with your purchase, can't wait to see the Z you buy! ;)

I’ve been in the same boat before finally decided to buy z 5 years ago...
No regrets since that day! Z is the way to go!
Mustang of this generation is so retarded engineering-wise: engine, suspension, interior...

Personally the reason why I didn't buy a mustang is that they are so common where I live, and 350Z are not. Still great cars, but too common for me.

Get the used Mustang. You can get a super good deal on them from the Hertz used car rental lot.

Hahahaha.... it's true. But word of advice: Don't buy one from Hawaii. You might get the one I thrashed around in. Nor a Camaro, did one of them in too. Laff....

Hahah.. I love how no one drops their beer.


- OP. It all depends on your budget and personal taste. Z's are a more expensive to maintain and modify than a mustang, so keep that in mind.

The best part about going from the mustang to the 350z at least for me..

I started dating someone with a different last name.

Depends on what you want. I'm a fan of the Mustang, but if you're gonna go for a GT, aim for 2012 or so with the new (and much improved) Coyote V8. The 4.6 is lackluster by comparison.

You'd also be sacrificing an excellent chassis for that extra power. If you want a comfortable big coupe with power, take the Mustang. If you want a dedicated sports car that can take corners, buy the Z.