I’m at a fork in the road, I am 22 and have saved nearly every dollar I could during my last year at college to get myself a nice grad gift. With ~17k in the bank, I am looking at these two cars, mostly the 2003 models for both.
I realize the audience I’m addressing is pre-biased due to ownership of one of these vehicles. (posting this on large 350 and Subaru board so either way) But I am truly torn on which auto I would enjoy most. Any help with my decision would be appreciated.


350’s pros / wrx cons
-Nissan’s z/datsun legacy
-hp is more stock then wrx
-better weight ratio
-better braking
-better turning circle
-better all around looks (inside out, obviously my personal opinion)
-not a sedan

wrx pros / 350 cons

-cheaper/more slightly used models available
-factory turbo
-larger aftermarket
-AWD dose impress me a little more then RWD, after the test drives, not phenomenally though
-weighs less overall




Based on the list so far I feel I’m leaning towards the 350, but a few things may sway,
Over all I know the 350 base price is most likely going to be more, and from what I’ve been quoted so far, it will also be more to insure. However the WRX will require premium, (I don’t believe the 350 dose)… what I am trying to figure is which overall is going to require the most upkeep from my wallet. (My last[current] car was a 98 2.5rs that wasn’t so bad for upkeep). I don’t plan to sell either of these any time soon, I have a older dodge caravan I use for moving junk or more then 4 people at a time.

Thank you for even reading this much : ) and any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated!

 

Hi,
Since you already have the Caravan, and the RS, I think go with the 350. You already have a commuter and a vehicle if you need to carry more people or a lot of stuff, so you need a car that is more of a weekend toy.

Cheers!
R.J.

 

The 350z also requires premium fuel. It's not a huge difference in cost for me vs my old car, but that may not be the case in your area.

 

I have both. Z is my daily driver to work, WRX is for going places with the family. Tough choice between the 2, the pros/cons all balance each other out.

 

the 350z was voted lowest true cost to own in its cost as well as best residual value (resale value) by edmunds. Let me find the link....

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/tco/2....bestcars..6.*

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/...7/article.html

it was given these three awards:
Editors' Most Wanted
Consumers' Most Wanted
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/nis...rds..0.Nissan*

sry i could not find any awards for the wrx... i looked but none I could find...
http://www.edmunds.com/used/2003/sub...av..14.Subaru*

well they both got most significant car of the year, but the Z was in 2003 and the wrx was 2002.

 

i was debating between the two as well before purchasing the Z.
Deciding factor was the based on long-term:
"Do i see myself driving a WRX when i'm 30 years old or do I see myself driving a 350z when i'm 30 years old?"
So bought the Z.

 

Z if u care about the look.
WRX STI if all u care about is the speed.

 

I thought about trading in the Z the other day so I went to test drive the wrx.
First off the wrx is a '02 and my Z is a '04. The price was 15,000
with 36,000 miles on it. I like the AWD and it can be quick but it is no sport car the feeling you get when you get behind the Z is great. You feel like this car can do anything and it did not feel like that in the wrx. Also the wrx is about 27k new and the used is 15k in two years thats 12k no way. The Z has a great resale, they were going to give me 26k for mine and I got it at 27k new.
WOW
If you get a Z make sure its an '04 or lease a '05.
Just my 2 cents.

 

get the WRX, itll prolly get you less hassles with trannie and tires, I say that the WRXis the best sportscar on a budget that there is

 

I BOUGHT MY Z AND HAD NO REGRETS SINCE CEPT FOR WHEN THERES A FREAK SNOW STORM AND IM OUT DRIVIN IN IT...

 

Traction in bad weather, rear seats, EZ to mod for HP = WRX

good looks, resale, full power from get go, sofisticted drive dynamics, solid construction 350Z

I've owned a WRX 2 years & now Z 2 years and like them both but the Z wins out...might consider an STI R1 when it comes out later this year

 

I think if you asked a female which one she likes more she would probably pick the Z....

IMO the WRX just doesn't compare to the sleek styling design of the Z.

 

I showed my girl friend a WRX sti and asked her if she liked it. She said it looked like any Japanese compact sedan. I then told her it was faster than my Z roadster (possibly a lie) and she said, "So what, it looks like a box on wheels."

 

Just take a good look at the two cars side by side and you tell me which car is better looking.

 

I've heard that the whole Impreza line is due for a complete makeover for the 06 MY. The Z probably isn't due for any major re-design for a while, probably just basic refinements. I would hate to lay out 25-30 K for a car that's going to be 'the old body style' in a the very near future. I got my information from a STI forum site, I'm sure they'll tell you the same thing.

BTW - the top impreza in Europe makes something like 350 Horsepower, maybe that'll be part of the new design.

 

Use $17K to buy yourself a piece of property or invest it. My opinion. Keep saving every dollar you can and you'll be able to retire a millionare at a young age.

 

Chicks dig the Z. I own a C5 Vette and a 350Z... For some reason all the chicks think the 350Z is sexier... I still prefer the Vette.

 

Go with the Z... in the long run you won't be disappointed. Nissan is just a little more reliable in the long run (my opinion). It's also that much more sexier. Just go for a test drive... you won't look back after that.

 

as long as the lack of a back seat doesnt bother you, go with the Z :-) my friend has a wrx and i remain happy with my decision

 

I had a hard time choosing between the Z and the STi when I was buying my car, then I asked my gf for her opinion, she told me clearly that she doesn't wanna be seen sitting in the STi....
so I got the Z