I wanted to start a thread that compairs cars that you have owned to your 350Z. Not cars you have test drove or your friends cars. Cars that you have spent some time in and really know. I'll start

E36 1995 M3 vs. 350Z Touring

Straight line speed:
1. Z 2. M3
-even though the mags sometimes post the same numbers for both, the 350Z is faster in a straight line.

Cornering
1. M3 2. Z
-this one is very very close which says allot for the Z. Remember the M3 was voted the best handleing car in the world beating out some great car like the Viper, Porsche, and others. The Z has more grip but is slightly less predictable when it looses traction. The M3 wants to kick out the tail and stays very blanced

Top Speed
1. Z 2. M3
-M3 137mph
-350Z 155 mph

Everyday driving
1. Z 2. M3
-The Z is much easier to drive around town. Nice clutch take up and plenty of torque lets you drive in high gears. M3 has some "Rubber Band ish" action in the transmition. It's also geared pretty low and needs to be shifted often

This is just my opinon on these two cars. My opion may change as I get more seat time in my Z (M3-3.5 years, Z- 2 months) So far I love my 350.

 

Top speed compare was pretty lame in my opinion, as it is limited by the computer. I have taken my '95 M3 to 155 mph before. I am thinking about the 350z as a replacement for my M3, as I can't seem to justify $50k for a E46 M3. The G35 Coupe was my initial pick, but after driving my roomates, I decided that the car felt too heavy. Please post more opinions on your comparison, as I will be shopping next year. Was your M3's suspension modified in any way?

 

How the hell did you get your M3 to 155? Was it down hill or someting? Not saying that the car couldn't do that just that when I tried, I ran out of REV's, I needed a 6th gear. No my M3 was stock. I had replaced the springs and shocks and bushings but with stock parts.

I was in the same boat as you. I didn't want to drop major jack on a E46 since the body will be changing soon. Looked at the STi and Evo, too much of a kids car. Checked the G35 but didn't really like it, seamed like an old guys car. I drove the Z and loved it. Now since owning the car for a while, I am so happy. This thing is so addicting. If you can live with 2 seats and a small *** trunk, this is the car for you.

I used to live in the bay area too, over in P town (Pleasanton) Where are you at? If you want, PM me anyquestions about the M3 vs. 350z. If you are ever down here, I'll let you drive me car so you can see for yourself. Talk to you later

 

I was going down 280 near Redwood City, and the tach was maxed out. It felt like it could have kept going as I was not quite near redline yet (7200 rpm). I have AC Schnitz shocks & springs, Jim Conforti Chip, Dinan CAI, and a under brace.

I've had the chance to try my barbers 350z, which I thought handled quite well compared to the G35. However, i'm curious to hear from other people what their opinion is. Btw, which package did you get?

 

Your tach was maxed out but you were not quite near redline yet

 

I have a 95 Cosmos Black M3 just the standard package, not Lux. I do have heated seats and a tilt wheel but not the HK system. Oh yeah by the way 350Z guys, you think the Bose sucks, come take a ride in my M3, then you will know what a shitty system really sounds like.

 

Has anyone successfully swapped out the Bose system completely with new head units?

 

I also have a cosmos black m3 with the grey vadar seats. As far as audio is concerend...

DynAudio MK2's in the front powered by a Zapco C2k-2.5x, Eclipse head unit, and 2 10" Aluma Pro subwoofers powered by a Precision Power 2100.

I too was not happy with the Bose system, as it seems to really lack mid range sound.

Btw, I meant to say speedo, not tach in my last post.

 

timeslip,

How many miles do you have on your M3? Did you buy it new or used? What rims do you have? I have the 17 spoke motorsports rims.