We get several threads a week by people looking to buy a used 350Z. The question is always how do I tell one model from another. Below is effort to provide simple ways to tell model differences. It is not intended to list all the differences. I know list is right for 2003 through 2006 Coupe models. If someone has similar clues for verts and 07s, please add a post.

-Base: no cruise control buttons on steering wheel.

-Enthusiast: TCS button on lower dash below steering wheel but no heater switches for seats.

-Performance: VDC button on lower dash but no heater switches or Brembo brakes.

-Touring: Heater buttons on center console.

-Track: Brembo brakes and VDC button. (though I suppose someone could add Brembos to a Performance.)

Again, not all inclusive; just easy clues any buyer can use.

 

06 and up

BASE - Nothing on the steering wheel

Enthusiast - Cloth Seats, No Brembos, Steering wheel controls all there, TCS

Touring - Leather seats, BOSE, No Brembos, Steering wheel controls all there, VDC (6MT only)

Track(? I forget if 06 has it, it got the ax in 07) - Cloth seats, Brembos, steering wheel controls, VDC (6MT only)

Grand Touring - Leather seats, BOSE, Brembos, Steering wheel controls all there, VDC (6MT only)

Edit: by leather seats I mean w/ heated switches and automatic controls on the sides toward bottom of seat.

 

umm, i have a ZR Touring and i only got TCS =\

 

07 has a lump.

 

Telling the year isn't a problem, it's the individual models that are always being questioned.

 

AT ?

 

dont forget enthusiast get the LSD too

 

So 06 Enth gets stereo controls on the steering wheel too?

 

They are talking about easy things to tell. It would be hard to tell short of taking apart the assembly or ripping a burnout. It would be hard to let the dealer do either of the two i would imagine.

 

Folks,

What would really be helpful here is if any of you can point to easy, stated in one brief sentence, featues that distinguish the verts from each other and the new coupe model(s) for 06/07 not mentioned in my starting post.

Trying to stay on point would also be helpful!

 

03 - Chrome Z emblem in steering wheel, center console storage retracts like nav package except its mechanized, all other models the lid just flips up unless its dvd nav.

03-04 have rough finish on interior aluminum door handles.

05 have smooth finish on interior aluminum door handles.


If anyone else can think of some quirks over the years add em to this list. Ive noticed this after working for nissan as a tech for a year on the different model z's that come in. Easy way to tell what Z is what year.

 

I know your list is "easiest way" but I'll add other stuff to the list:

-Base: no cruise control buttons on steering wheel.
no power rear mirrior, aluminum pedals or kick panel, or TPMS
no limited slip, VDC or TCS.
no HID
17" wheels standard
no BOSE
Navigation is not available

-Enthusiast: TCS button on lower dash below steering wheel
no heater switches for seats.
17" wheels standard
no BOSE
no VDC
no TPMS
no aluminum kick panel

-Performance: VDC button on lower dash
no heater switches or leather
no Brembo brakes.
18" wheel standard
TPMS
No BOSE
no aluminum kick panel


-Touring: Heater buttons on center console.
Includes all Performance package except 18" standard on MT
option for AT
Solid aluminum kick panel
BOSE system


-Track: Brembo brakes and VDC button.
Front and rear under body diffuser
BOSE system
All Performance package
Unique 18" track Ray's light weight wheels

 

I have an 03 (base i thought) i have crusie control and 18 inch wheels but no heated seats, no leather seats, no navagaiton, or no bose sound system, and i have vdc and aluminum kick panels do i still have the base model

 

Sounds like you have a Performance model. You have to understand that your VIN will show up in Nissan's computer as a base. So will the Enthusiast. I am 100% that I got a Performance model (I still have the factory window sticker that says it) but everytime I have Nissan look up my car it aways comes up as a base.

 

MT...i know its a touring because i got BOSE and leather D: THEY JIPPED ME...or maybe the ZR touring is different from the coupe since there isntt a track version of the ZR =\

 

You're correct, I just checked the factory specs book and VDC was available only on the Touring Coupe.

 

that is correct.

 

Thanks!

 

Nissan specs. indicate that VDC comes on the Grand Touring with Automatic Transmission as well. Is this correct?

 

I just bought an 04 Touring Roadster for my wife. Is there a way I can get a copy of the original window sticker for it (I have a Corvette and a forum member got me one for it).