2004 350 Z
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Don't think there will be big changes
I think Nissan could easily squeeze some more horsepower out of the Z's. They could easily add forced induction to the car, or upgrade some parts to get some more power.
However, I don't think they will make too many vast upgrades for quite some time. Everything I've read about the Z and Nissan talked about their goal being to get the new Z back to the concept of the original Z .... a high performance AFFORDABLE car. What ultimately killed the 300ZX's was the higher and higher prices. Eventually, it got to the point that people were saying, "Why would I buy a Nissan for that much, when I can get [insert luxury sports car here] for the same money?"
As long as Nissan still has the reminder of the 300ZX failure in their mind, I think they will avoid making too many changes that will drive the price of the car up. They already have a pretty dazzling set of features in the 350Z for the price it costs. I know the don't compare with an NSX for many reasons, but having ordered a 350Z, I remember comparing spec sheets with an NSX once and thinking ... wow, the Z has that ... woah, the Z has that too ... etc.
I think they've taken a good approach at offering 5 basic, affordable trim levels for the 350Z, and leaving the big performance upgrades to aftermarket Nissan supported stuff from Nismo. I don't think the Nissan name has the prestige to allow the car to get too horribly expensive, or it will suffer the same fate of the 300ZX a few years ago. Because of that, I would expect the 2004 350Z (as well as the next few years of models), to have general defects fixed, with only minor upgrades to performance and trim levels.
However, I don't think they will make too many vast upgrades for quite some time. Everything I've read about the Z and Nissan talked about their goal being to get the new Z back to the concept of the original Z .... a high performance AFFORDABLE car. What ultimately killed the 300ZX's was the higher and higher prices. Eventually, it got to the point that people were saying, "Why would I buy a Nissan for that much, when I can get [insert luxury sports car here] for the same money?"
As long as Nissan still has the reminder of the 300ZX failure in their mind, I think they will avoid making too many changes that will drive the price of the car up. They already have a pretty dazzling set of features in the 350Z for the price it costs. I know the don't compare with an NSX for many reasons, but having ordered a 350Z, I remember comparing spec sheets with an NSX once and thinking ... wow, the Z has that ... woah, the Z has that too ... etc.
I think they've taken a good approach at offering 5 basic, affordable trim levels for the 350Z, and leaving the big performance upgrades to aftermarket Nissan supported stuff from Nismo. I don't think the Nissan name has the prestige to allow the car to get too horribly expensive, or it will suffer the same fate of the 300ZX a few years ago. Because of that, I would expect the 2004 350Z (as well as the next few years of models), to have general defects fixed, with only minor upgrades to performance and trim levels.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Austin, TX
I agree - and this is consistent with everything that's been said about this car in the Nissan press releases and interviews. It's got to be affordable.
I don't expect an unnaturlaly aspirated option... I'd be surprised to see it. I also woudln't expect to see options like T-Tops... for structural reasons those just aren't done anymore. And, they don't fit into the "philosophy" of the car.
If there is significantly more power to be had, I expect the GT-R to provide it. It's the same chassis... the investment is made and therefore it can be profitable in even smaller volumes.
I don't expect an unnaturlaly aspirated option... I'd be surprised to see it. I also woudln't expect to see options like T-Tops... for structural reasons those just aren't done anymore. And, they don't fit into the "philosophy" of the car.
If there is significantly more power to be had, I expect the GT-R to provide it. It's the same chassis... the investment is made and therefore it can be profitable in even smaller volumes.
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I dont really think they can get too much more horsepower out of it and get it cheaply, right now the cars a steal at around 28,000. Sure they might be able to get more horspower then 300 but it might be quite pricey. Im not looking to pay S2000 prices just so i can say look i have a 120hp per liter. Right now its one of the cheaper import sports car but has more power then its competitors that cost 10,000 more, i dont think they should get away from that bang for the buck formula.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Ohio
If you want the Z now, don't wait for '04 just because you are expecting any major upgrades. I would bet good money that HP will not go up in the second year of a brand new model--it almost never happens with any car manufacturer. '05 at the earliest and more likely '06. And as far as concerns over first year bugs--people have been greatly exaggerating their severity. First model years are not that bad and you can get the bugs fixed at the dealer for free. A rattling sun visor or a soon-to-be fixed stereo flaw shouldn't deter anyone from getting the car.
You have to evaluate the car at face value at the time you are going to buy it. Is it a good value, is it well built, is the car exciting and fast as is? There is always going to be a bigger and better deal; that's just cost of progress.
Imagine if someone in 1990 was excited about the 300zx but decided to wait for the rumored faster and better Supra. That person would have waited 3 freaking years! And what, should the person have then waited until 1994 for the Supra to work out its 1st year bugs??
If someone wants the Z, get it now and enjoy the exclusivity and excitement of a brand new design. Otherwise, you might end up waiting forever.
You have to evaluate the car at face value at the time you are going to buy it. Is it a good value, is it well built, is the car exciting and fast as is? There is always going to be a bigger and better deal; that's just cost of progress.
Imagine if someone in 1990 was excited about the 300zx but decided to wait for the rumored faster and better Supra. That person would have waited 3 freaking years! And what, should the person have then waited until 1994 for the Supra to work out its 1st year bugs??
If someone wants the Z, get it now and enjoy the exclusivity and excitement of a brand new design. Otherwise, you might end up waiting forever.
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Im a ford guy im sure nissan has better quality then ford, hell couldnt be worse, but the 1st year bugs can be quite bad the engine in my car is a lil diff ford decided to experiment with it. My 1st year bugs consisted of two blown engines in 27,000 miles. The 1st year bugs on the wrx were very bad also but i doubt anyone has a 350 ZX with more then maybe 3,000 miles so we just dont know yet.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Coconut Creek, FL
Originally posted by jwfisher
Axle and half-shafts are two different things. Out-dated pony cars have axles... modern cars have IRS.
Axle and half-shafts are two different things. Out-dated pony cars have axles... modern cars have IRS.
I have an AWD Talon.. Runs 11.95 in 1/4 will kick a 350z any day of the month.. AND I HAVE BROKEN AN AXLE (HALFSHAFT) what ever you want to call it. (Funny thing is normally these cars break the left rear axle....)
the technical purpose for the part is the same. The only difference is that with an "Out-dated pony cars" there are no CV joints on the axle while with an IRS car there are two CV joints on the axle....
back to the original point i still think waiting till the spring at the earliest would be a wise move. I read elsewhere in the forum nissan is sending 30,000 350z's stateside this year alone. You can't even test drive one at this point but this will all settle down once there are more cars at the dealers. 30,000 cars is a lot for a 2 seat sports car, honda hasn't sold that many s2000's for all the years it's been available combined. By spring they will definately not be over MSRP but i wouldn't expect to be able to wheel and deal for a couple years. Also once the g35 coupe becomes available it will take even more heat off 350z sales because although it is not as hard core sports car it is a little more practical (4 seats) and a little more refined. my opinion, for what it's worth.
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