Hello,

I have been a fan of the Z since way back when the 240Z was out and my uncle had a yellow 1970 model. He had the car for quite some time, and I remember thinking that his car was awesome. Unfortunately, the car had an engine fire and he got rid of it instead of selling it to me.

When the 350Z's came out, I was already in an '02 Subaru Impreza WRX. Well, now the time has come to consider a new vehicle, and I am considering getting a 350Z.

I saw this forum and decided to come online to ask what you all think about the 350Z's and/or G coupes. Have any of you also swapped your WRX's for the Z? I understand they are completely different vehicles, but what would be some of the differences from one to the other? I'm mainly interested in how the Z would perform versus a WRX (acceleration & handling), how reliable the Z is versus Subaru. What are some of the things that I can expect or have to get used to? Also, how hard is it to live with the Z or G as a daily driver? And is there an AUX IN jack for my Archos?

Thanks,
Paul

 

I thought I would have significant problems using the Z as a dairly driver as I often have to carry stuff(tools, post signs, gear) in it. It has not been a unsurmountable problem as you learn to adapt. Example: I found a cooler that fits in front of the rear strut tower big enough for 12 cans. I use vinly fold-up signs. I bought a nismo storage gizmo that hangs from the back of the passenger seat and the spare tire well is big and deep enough to hold a lot of the equipment I need to have, but don't want it taking up normal cargo space . The G coupe of course has the back seat and is roomier. I have no regrets on buying the Z. Winter tires are a must though, in areas that get snow.

 

I1der,

Thanks for the quick response. What did you trade up from? I've had coupes before (albeit they were much bigger than the 350Z - I had a '87 Ford Thunderturd and a '76 Chevy Monte Carlo), never a hatchback or two seater though. I'll likely keep a beater around as a second car because I know how it is to struggle with a high-powered rear wheel drive car in the snow.

I think what I ultimately want is a sports car that is really fun to drive, something that equals or is a little greater than my current WRX. I'm just trying to determine if the 350Z is that car.

Paul

 

Big change for me. I went from a Pathfinder I've had for 13 years to the Z, but we also used my gf Lexus SC400 a lot. It was a smooth sporty and powerful coupe, but the Z is quicker and more fun. Besides, with the gf and SC400 gone, the Z is better in the dating game than a Pathfinder. Waaay better.

 

My son has a WRX which I drive occasionally just for fun. Altough it has an excellent handling and quick acceleration I do not have any feeling for the car.

While I have not done a lot of driving in Z (I am having mine delivered tomorrow), after 2 hour test-drive I fell deeply in love with her. To me there is no comparrison between two and the choice is absolutely clear - Z.

I guess, with cars - it's very personal.

 

Amazing. A new member who actually uses correct grammar and punctuation. We need more of your kind around here

 

Handling? The 350Z runs SCCA B stock.
The WRX runs D stock. That should give an idea of the difference.

Better yet drive a 350Z and see for yourself.

 

I own a new Z and my uncle owns a 2005 G35. There is a big difference between the two, in the overall feel. The Z is definately the true sports car of the two. The Z has no back seat, basic controls and a racing inspired feel when driving it. While the G is more luxury. With the plush leather seats and a roomy back seat (well compared to the Z ), the nice analog clock display and some nicer control pannel, the G is a bit longer in length, but power is the same as the Z. Both are great cars. It is a matter of what you prefer. The biggest difference I can see with the WRX vs Z is the AWD vs. RWD. I live in Mass and have to battle snow and rain for a good period of the year. I wish at times I had the AWD, but then I think to myself, "Hey I love my car and don't really care!" Hope this somewhat helps. Whatever your decsion, Welcome to the Nissan family you wont regret it!

 

That's good to know, as I have not had much luck with the WRX in the dating game. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but Jane Q. Public seems to regard it as a quirky, ugly car.

In the matters of taste there is no question. As someone who enjoys driving and wants a vehicle that does a whole lot more than get from Point A to B, this is not a decision that I take lightly.

I'll take that as a compliment, especially since I'm an engineer. Typically, we're not known for our grammatical prowess.

A test drive is my next step. Either that or maybe trying to get a ride from a generous owner (with a model past the break-in period) who wouldn't be afraid to show me the Z's capabilities. Now that I think of it, both sound like good ideas.

I think I'm leaning towards the 350Z. Unless, of course, the added power in the G37 yields significantly better performance and the coupe is somewhat affordable (not more than a few thousand about the cost of a 350Z).

Thanks to all for your replies.

Paul

 

This Friday at the Antwerpen Nissan dealership is a little gathering. Come on out and take a look around. If the dealer salesman don't give you a ride come see me. I'll be there in my Silverstone Z with Nismo rims if you want a "spirited" ride

 

Adding my half-cent...

When I was looking, it was between the '07 G35 and the '07 350Z. I test drove both on the same day. Yeah, the G35 was "ever so slightly" better appointed, but I was continually drawn back to the Z. The Z exudes SPORTS CAR, while the G.... well, not so much. The Z has a deeper tone to the exhaust note too. I was expecting the Z to be a much more stiff and rough ride, but (as has been noted here by other members) the '07 is a bit softer than earlier versions. It felt great to me. I ordered the Z the very next day. Unfortunately, I am STILL waiting for it to be built and shipped here.

I think your biggest hurdle will be accepting that you will be getting a RWD vehicle which will be trickier to drive than your WRX (in rain and snow). But hey, in the rain, just slow down, and in the rare occasion that we Mid-Atlantic folks actually get snow, then drive reeaaaalll slow, or park it.

When I started looking for a new car I told my wife that this would be the last winter that I would go without an AWD vehicle, then my friend reminded me of the very few days that we actually GET snow here in VA. All those other non-snow days I will be happily driving my Z down every road I can find!

 

I might make it out to this meet also. I own a 2007 350z and dont really care for break in period rules. Ill show you how the 07 feels at WOT

 

Mukrat & Gooey - Thanks for the offers, I may take you up on getting a ride in a 350Z. Can you provide me with more details on the meet? Is it Friday afternoon/evening? If I can make it to the meet, I'll probably be the only Subaru Impreza WRX there.

Clipden - I've now run the gamut on driving all types of drive vehicles, I've owned RWD, FWD, AWD vehicles, and driven 4WDs. I think the hardest thing to get used to again will be having the ability to spin the rear tires at full throttle. I have experienced the fun of driving a high powered RWD car in snow, and I'd rather not do it again if I can avoid it.

Paul

 

Antwerpren nissan in Columbia MD from 7-10pm

 

Welcome to the forum Paul. As Davidv says, take a few Z's for a drive. They're actually pretty good as a daily driver.

Let us know how you get on.

 

Well, after going to the Antwerpen meet yesterday evening, meeting a few board members, talking about the 350Z, and being able to witness what these cars can do firsthand (thanks to Mukrat), I am about 95% sure that I want one. The only thing really left to do is to test drive the model that I want (I'm pretty sure that it's going to be a Grand Touring) and get my finances in order to be able to purchase one. Realistically, I think this is going to be towards the end of the summer.

Paul

 

Awesome you've been to a local meet, a very good way to find out more. And don't forget to post pictures of your Z when you find one in Summer.

 

Route 32 has a tendancy to attract cops so I had to be a little nice, but I think you got thye idea ;-D