Hi everybody...
I'm new in your forum but I love it. Tons of info. Let me tell you first off, It's about me getting the SRT-4 (Dodge) vs. 350Z.
Ok, now, I'm a Nissan Lover myself, owning a 2004 Sentra 1.8S with 18" rims and Sound system and I love it to death but it just does NOT have enough power for me. I've been considering the SRT-4 even before I bought the Sentra but at that time I could not afford it and now, I can BARELY afford it. Now, I LOVE THE WAY Z looks and the performance might be not AS much as SRT-4 (or it actually is?) but I love the way Z look WAAAAAAAY better than SRT-4.
I need you guys help to choose between the two and I do understand that Z is more expensive but I'll be getting the very BASE model (If I can afford it).
and also, could you tell me HOW MUCH I can get a new Z BASE Model out the door to call it a GOOD PRICE and GOOD DEAL?

You comments will be most appreciated
Thanx
Hessam

 

This should be self explainitory, get the z. Why the hell would you ever want a neon, or any dodge for that matter. Its FWD, that right there says everything.

 

i kinda like the boosted pos, but there is no comparison.

 

I know guy... I hear you. But how much do you think would be the cheapest Brand NEW Z I can get? (I don't care about options and extended warranty and all that... just want a Z).

 

While my opinion is obviously biased, I would have to go with the Z if I was in your shoes. The SRT-4 is a great straight line performer, but it will always be limited once the road starts to turn because of its front wheel drive set-up. I would also be concerned with reliability. The SRT-4 engine is boosted (18 psi or something like that) within an inch of its life, I wonder if it will hold up in the long term. Finally, you'll have to explain to every non-enthusiast how your SRT-4 is in fact not a Neon, but something different, and most of them will continue to think that you drive a Neon. Also, I hate turbo-lag.

 

Honestly... this is what I came up to realize.
The Z will cost me around 27-28 otd (Out The Door) and insurance is about 50-60 more a month so, it 4sure cannot be a wise decision since I make only about $1000/month (Well, I make 2000 but more than half goes to my family and house payment and I'm 22 only living with parent and just bought a house). So, I'd say the SRT-4 is the best bet now. I'd love to stick with Nissan just cause I loved every single moment of my sentra but it can't happen anymore. I love the Z and might be looking to some 03 used ones around 20 (If I can find any).

Thank alot guys and you ARE LUCKY TO HAVE THE Z...
Hessam

 

I was actualy looking at the 350Z, srt-4, wrx sti, and evo. i drove all of them and my experence with the srt-4 was funny. As i sat in it and turned it on it would not start right away then as i tried to put the window down it would not go down, then as i took it out for a drive the engine blew. it was of coarse there demo srt4 that had 3k miles on it.. now talk about great reliablity..

ps .. get the Z

 

If money is that much of an issue that you can barely afford an SRT-4, then I would definitely recommend you go with the SRT-4 instead of a base model 350Z. There is still quite a bit of price difference there and the SRT-4 gives you a lot of car for $20k.

 

Hessam.

Buy a cheap used econobox and save money until you can afford what you really want.

 

def the Z

 

get the srt4 its a great deal and much cheaper than the base z. i think you would like it more as it is very easy and cheap to mod as well

 

Faster car for cheaper price or nice looking car for higher price


srt-4 cheap mod easy 350z high mod $4

 

I think that a lot of it depends on what you're going to be using the car for. Quite frankly, the Z is a fairly impractical car. Only two seats, limited storage space, and the base model has no tsc or vdc. You won't be able to carry many things/people and traveling in snow could be troublesome. I think that you should look over your own situation and decide on whether you will need space and/or need the car all year round.

 

If you measure "fast" by straight line performance, than get that SRT, but be ready for people laughing for the rest of your ownership.

If you want great race car, get Z. Get used one if you can't afford new. Use internet and ebay to find best price.

 

you could always find yourself a used enthusiast model with around 10-20k miles for less than a brand new base model. When i was looking for a z a few weeks ago i saw those going for around $24k.

 

ok man.. im kinda in the same perdicament but here's what i have come to.

the SRT4,
is it freakishly fast for a lil amount of money? yes.
can u haul around a wife, 2 kids, and a dog? yes.
is it the prettiest thing out there? no
will u get alot of respect? no (until u whoop someone's @$$)
bang for the buck? hell yes.
will girls want to ride in your car? probably not.

the Z
is it freakishly fast for a lil amount of money? no (it takes a lil bit more)
can u haul around a wife, 2 kids, and a dog? no (but at 22, who cares)
is it the prettiest thing out there? yes, hands down
will u get alot of respect? yes
bang for the buck? yes
will girls want to ride in your car? they will be begging.

if u need practicality, dont have a lot of money, go with the SRT4.
if you want a sports car that has more heritage than your family tree, performs well, handles like a dream, and looks down right gorgeous, get the Z.

for me, i'm getting the Z b/c i am 17, just got out of a year long relationship, i will be going to college and dont need a family hauler, and right now is the one time in my life were practicality isnt an issue. i have 12g's saved up for my Z. my parents are paying for the rest since i have worked my *** off to pay for the majority of my college. for me, its the Z. u need to consider what you want, need, and in the end, what u will be happiest with. go over to www.srtforums.com and put a post there and see what their opinions are. that way, you can have 2 biased view points!

 

srt4 is the best value car out there.

its not faster or better than the Z. its not prettier. its not more luxurious, or reliable IMO.

but its 6k cheaper than the lowest model. and within .1sec or so as fast. if not for FWD, I honestly think it would be faster. and unlike the Z's other competition, the srt4 has the top end speed as well cause its performance is not based solely on traction.

furthermore, its cheap as hell to mod.

obviously I still take the Z, cause I like RWD too much, its a purist thing. I wouldnt hesitate to rock the SRT4 if 20k was my comfort zone.

 

I agree with EdgeOfSanity, you can get a used Z for a really decent price. I've seen them go as low as $21,400 for a Touring Model in the Bay Area(CA). I would browse the classifieds here and in your area beforehand. BTW the Z will not dissapoint..............

 

is the sentra paid off? cause unless you put a big down payment you are most likely going to be upside down. I'd just keep the sentra for now.

 

based on your situation (barely afford srt4), i would definitely recommend the srt4. if you spend beyond your means for a z i think you'll regret. esp if you have tire feathering.