350z or Z4 ?

[hype]

I'm not for a second saying that I really think the Cavalier convertible was a sports car - just having a bit of fun. In the same manner it would be very odd to suggest that a true sports car has to be a convertible!

A decent description from wiki: "A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability". Think that's both the Z roadster and coupe covered. Although the coupe will handle better of course.

 

[buzyg]

Ok you got me there, every definition I can find does not distinguish between hard top and soft top. Besides the Dino is one of my favourite cars of all time. So back to 350Z vs Z4, before we completely highjack this thread.

 

[hype]

Ok you got me there, every definition I can find does not distinguish between hard top and soft top. Besides the Dino is one of my favourite cars of all time. So back to 350Z vs Z4, before we completely highjack this thread.

Glad we got that sorted, and may I just say that's a lovely looking sports car you have there. Whereabouts in Cornwall are you? Must be some nice roads around there. I've driven from from Notts to Perranporth and surrounding area a few times before but not yet in my Zed

 

[Paza3]

I sold my last Zed for a 350z GT Uk model , it was a nice car but a few important factors why I sold the 350, the interior on the dash is a bit shocking to look at everyday plastic heaven and, the stop watch thingy is a bit gash really, not refined and I honestly believe its starting to look dated.

The biggest reason why I off loaded it was running costs you will be lucky to see 20-23 mpgs and thats not hammering it either. Compare with a Zed 3.0 , you can get 30+ easy, not bothered about costs but it became quite frustrating it was as bad as a Evo 8 fq330 I had , without the performance or handling

Sometimes you have to scratch an itch, which I did and now back in a Z4, after having a 350, Boxsters S, TT, inbetween, your struggle to find a better car, try 350z forum they are very helpful and a good bunch may give you some guidence?

 

[2alpsade]

The Datsun is slower than my Z, thirstier than my Z, and looks, er, naff. Nope, not going there. Ever.

Done Jap sports cars. Uninspiring, techno-marvels :thumbsdown:

To cap it all, it has a roof. :evil:

 

[jonnyfive]

Ok you got me there, every definition I can find does not distinguish between hard top and soft top. Besides the Dino is one of my favourite cars of all time. So back to 350Z vs Z4, before we completely highjack this thread. [/qudged ansd was built byte]

Thread hijack sorry
A fact i learned last night was the Dino is the only Ferrari not to be badged a Ferrari and was built by fiat. How does that work?

 

[tomTVR]

Before I finally opted for my zed ( 3.0 ) I almost bought a Nissan 350z mostly because of their rarity ( down here on the iow anyway ). When I drove the 350z it felt quite awesome in a muscle car sort of way and it was a more practical coupe version.

It might be practical compared to the 350Z roadster but the Z4 has a much bigger boot than thev 350z coupe, the problem compounded by the huge strut brace accross the middle.

My mate has a facelift 300bhp model 350Z GT. I've driven around Europe with him so can compare.

Exterior looks: Z4 by a mile
Interior: Z4 by a mile
Speed: 350Z, not much in it at legal speeds but it dissappears into the distance over 100mph compared to my 3.0i
Practicality: Z4
Running costs: Petrol is much wose on the Nissan and maintainance has cost him more too, the Z4 shares 3 series parts to lower costs.
Sound: BMW straigh six much nicer
Brakes: 350Z, his 6 piston Brembos are much better than the milk bottle tops BMW fitted to my car.
Handling: Z4 more chuckable sports car, 350Z a more sure footed GT - personal preferance.
Gearbox: Nissans is very clunky and harder to do quick shifts, BMWs much smoother.
Reliability: Both have been very good, his exhaust snapped and ive had a couple of minor niggles but nothing major for either.

Tallying that up the Z4 wins 7 points to 3 but of course a number of those are subjective

 

[bluestreak56]

Sorry if this is a bit offensive to anyone but have you seen the 350z? Besides being a big fat bloated rump of chicken with weight to add I cant see the desirability?

For me hands down it has to be the Z4C.

I looked at the 350z, Porsche 968, Audi TT, MR2, Scirocco, Hyundai Coupe, A5, Brera, and none of them look as good (maybe the 968 is better looking only but its not financially viable). In fact in my humble opinion my E24 and Mk2 Scirocco are better looking than all of those lot!

The GT-R is better looking

Exterior : Z4C by miles, its not bloated, has a much sexier roof and c pillar line and looks much meaner.
Interior : Z4C by miles, doesnt look as plasticy. The 350 with its sloped dash and big console looks very 90s not to mention the fisher price steering wheel
Speed : Z4C = 200bhp/ton 350z - 195bhp/ton plus its heavier - says it all
Practicaliy : 350 may have more space
Running costs : Z4C no contest

The rest - as above!

 

[ChawenHalo]

I see several very desirable cars here that I would happy own, BUT NONE ARE TRUE SPORTS CARS

Just for you then

Too damn right.

but he's got a point. MX5, boxter etc. They may be "real sports cars but to me they look real girlie /hairdresser. Whilst a Lotus Elise is a different marks the point, for me anyway.

 

[IK.]

I actually quite like the 350Z, and very nearly bought one a while ago (as a cheaper alternative to my recently sold Z4 Coupe).

It's far more 'manly' looking than a Z4, in my opinion - and I drive a Z4M. In pictures, the Z4 looks quite masculine and big; but up close it is actually quite tiny!

I didn't get one for a variety of reasons. For a start, the fuel economy is poor considering the power you have on tap. The same fuel economy as an M, yet much slower. With a 3.0si, you'll get far more and still go faster than a 350Z (on paper, at least).

My other half thinks the 350Z looks like a SportKa though.