After almost 1000 miles, here are my impressions (keep in mind that I'm not yet past break in so I've been very gentle with the Nismo):

LIKES

-much, much smoother power delivery throughtout the RPM range; while the my old DE was coarser (some people like that better), I prefer the smoothness of the HR

-noticeably better handing (a given)

-much better overall fit and finish (it's about time, Nissan has had 5+ years to correct all the problems with the Z33 and it took them until the 08 model year to get there)

-much nicer styling, especially the wheels, the BBK, and the interior (a given)

DISLIKES

-maybe it's just me but I do feel a torque difference; the DE feels more torquey

-the stock Nismo stereo SUXXORS compared to the Touring Bose I had in the DE

-noticeably worse fuel economy than the DE (I would regularly get 22-25 mpg before but now with the HR, I barely get 18 mpg; not a shock with the more rev happy engine)

-perhaps this is a matter of preference but I like the exhaust note in the DE better; it's deeper and growlier while the HR is whinier and quieter

-I HATE all the attention that the Nismo gets; everyone from teenagers in riced out Civics to yuppies in overpriced BMWs stare and some even rev and peel off (unlike others here, I'm not an attention *****; when I drive, I want to be left alone)

 

I believe the HR has more tq everywhere than a DE.

 

I guess if you go by the numbers, it's only a nominal difference (268 HR vs. 273 DE non rev) and maybe it's me, but my 03 felt like it had more torque. Maybe I'll get a more accurate feel after break-in...

 

I love the attention

 

+ 1, but seriously, you knew what you were geting into when you bought a limited edition Nismo Z. What drew you to it, is the same attention you are getting now. Enjoy it!

 

DE FTW...lol jk congrats on the nismo, but i do love my DE...i also love my frost leather interior in my touring and all the touches of the interior

 

i hear ya about the attention..

i just drive a regular HR.. not a nismo..

and all these kids in expensive cars or trucks try to race me..
i just rev once, then take off as slow as possible...

also, when i sometimes over rev trying to start off on a steep hill, people think im trying to race, and so they speed off... i just take my time

 

I use to think the Nismo brought way too much attention, but after awhile it goes away. I may just be use to it, but I really feel it just blends in now.

 

How can u say u dislike all the attention, that's 1 of the main reasons I got the car. As for fuel economy I have a little over 11k and I average 21.8 mpg. Not really crazy about the sound system but it will do for now.

 

It doesn't go away, you just become immune to it. I had a friend sitting in the passanger seat the other day, and she kept saying "everyone keeps looking at us, its freaking me out a little"

I don't even pay attention anymore. I also get a kick out of when people rev me at lights, especailly at this on this one road by me, they go screaming from a standstill, but I always prefer if I am going to "fool around" with someone it be when there are no other cars around on a twisty road. Theres no drama, I just kind of glide by them because the car handles so well.

Its amazing how all of a sudden their big V8 with 400 hp and 1000 lb/ft of trq just cant keep up.

I got to drive my friends 2006 Saleen the other day and I have to say it was a blast to drive in a straight line. Sounds like you create siezmic shifts in the earth when you put your foot down and it has a lot more torque than the 350, but O dear god....

When you have to take a fast turn you completly loose all confidence in the car, and the brakes are even worse. I have to say I love driving other cars, and feeling the sensation you get from them, but you can't deny the quality and excellent mechanics you get from the 350. You know exactly what its going to do and where the limit is. It makes you appriciate every aspect down to where the pedals are, how long the clutch is and even the heavy shifter. Every time I get back into my car I'm like "yea, this is right"

I found in the Saleen how odd it was that you have literally |----| (that much room scaled to actualy size) for clutch engagement and its just so unpredictable when going around turns. You get a lot of drama even on low speed, heel toe turns because of all the torque. The back end just flys out and the tires go screetching, and it feels kind of cool in a way that your like I could have been somewhere in that tree right now but im not, cool.

 

Girlfriend said the same thing yesterday when I had the top down on the GT HR. I don't notice anymore either...

 

If that avitar is your girlfriend... well then if you drive a GT with the top down, I hate to say it but there not staring at your car my friend

 

Perhaps, but I use to get to get revved at and hit up for races on a regular basis. Well that hasn't happened in literally months. Also I use to see people turning their heads to check out the car as I drove by. This doesn't occur anymore either.

None of this is a bad thing, but in a way the car really blends in now.

 

^but you also live in Southern California, come to the Northeast and you will stick out like a sore tumb. If you mention "Rear Wheel Drive" people tremble...