Well, immediately, the problem with this review is that they're comparing a 2005 Base 350Z to a 2009 Sports + Touring 370Z. Had they driven an 06+ Touring with Navigation, they wouldn't have had those same complaints about the 350Z's interior. Furthermore, that one guy who preferred the 300ZX's interior is nuts - the base ZX had terrible and cheap interiors, and the seats weren't very supportive either. The leather seats, on the other hand, were a lot better from what I recall (last time I sat in one was 3 years ago). Also, after 1994 they changed the interior materials of the 300ZX on the doors and dash -- that used to be cheap too, but was made better.

There is definitely too much nostalgia clouding their judgment. I wholeheartedly believe that had they made this a fair run by not handicapping the 350Z, and put up a Grand Touring 350Z-HR against the 370Z and the 300ZX, they'd be singing a different tune.

Imo, the 350Z-HR is without question the best of both worlds - a fantastic engine that is extremely responsive to mods, with a nice and improved interior, better brakes, better exhaust note (3.5HRs didn't have the harshness), vastly improved exterior (new headlights, LED tails, front bumper), and a great price-tag used. It strikes the perfect middle.

I mean, car for car, I think the 300ZX is the cheapest to go fast in, no doubt. The 370Z is without question the best and most advanced. But factor in price into the rest of the equation (price, power, reliability, looks, handling, etc.) and an 07-08 350Z wins hands down (maybe even including the 06, considering they're cheaper).

 

That was an Enthusiast they tested. It had cruise control on the steering wheel. So it wasnt to shabby of a model, it has traction control and Limited Slip.

 

Ah, yes. You're right. Still, with the ugly 17s and the old/plain interior, no wonder they didn't like it.