Guys

 

I currently own a 1993 TT manual 300ZX and was looking at replacing it with a 350Z, however I’ve never owned one and was hoping someone on here has and could give me a good opinion on the 350Z, I still find my 300 adequate to drive and own and i also own an M5 but was purely looking to change the ZX.

 

Please advise

 

Thanks

Adam

I consider the 300zxTT more superior than the 350z. Stick with what you have mate.

350z??

350z

Guys

 

I currently own a 1993 TT manual 300ZX and was looking at replacing it with a 350Z, however I’ve never owned one and was hoping someone on here has and could give me a good opinion on the 350Z, I still find my 300 adequate to drive and own and i also own an M5 but was purely looking to change the ZX.

 

Please advise

 

Thanks

Adam

 

I consider the 300zxTT more superior than the 350z. Stick with what you have mate.

 

Whilst Gary and I (along with several other members) might be a little biased, Gary speaks the truth!!

 

If you already have an M5, then I assume the 300zx is a second car. If so, the 300zx (1) is indeed superior to the 350z and (2) remains the better "modern classic" choice - both for future values and that all important exclusivity factor.

 

The 350z is still a decent car, nonetheless; but was produced in far greater numbers than the 300zx (certainly for the UK market) - and thus the 300zx retains that mystery "what is it" factor. Plus it was better built that the 350z - which was conceived during Nissan's more recent years, once the collaborative Renault/Nissan bean counters got involved. Look at the new prices; as with the 370z today, the 350z weighed in at around £27k new; whilst the 300zx was circa £35k new back in 1994.

 

Don't get me wrong, I still like the 350z - along with the 370z today - but having driven all three, whilst the later models might be more adept at handling like sports cars, the 300zx remains a higher quality GT car, much more like the XJS and 928 of the era from which it came. You'd be hard pushed to put the 350z and 370z in the same bracket as an F-type or Boxster today, as they are just not in that league quality-wise. Which is why I have an AMG Merc as a daily drive instead of a 370z - and possibly why you have your M5..:wink:

Thanks for the detailed reply Richard

Interesting comments and yes I would also go with the 300 being more unique, my m5 isn’t my daily as I have a Zafira for that, in fact the 300 probably gets used more than the m5 and I was purely looking at replacing it for its younger sibling. I wouldn’t want to replace it with another German, British etc as I do like to own a one jap as well and the 350 is similar in price so technically I wouldn’t be parting with much £££ if any. However I think your comments have made my mind up and I will keep the 300 as opposed to replacing it with the 350

Thanks

I have owned both cars. a 2005 350Z and Numerous 300zx models

The 350z was great fun to drive, really nippy and had a better sense of stability in the rain. Being a smaller wheelbase the manoeuvering was also better in my opinion, but for all out power and speed and exhilaration you can't beet a 300zx. Also the cockpit on the 350 is a little to snug for my liking. The 300 gives a certain thrill just sitting behind the wheel even if you are not going anywhere, and if you are then its magic. Just enough controls and switches and real feel of belonging. Just my humble opinion though

The only 350z I’d consider is a supercharged one.

Personally find the 350Z underwhelming. The interior feels decidedly french, it’s significantly slower than an TT Z, it’s not as good looking (subjective I know) and the engine feels lathargic for an 3.5 litre NA.

 

Best thing you can do is drive your 300 to a test drive if a 350, drive the 350 then get back in your 300. Then you’ll soon realise that while the 300 is older, it’s just simply better.

On the question of buying a 350z from a drivers point of view then that has been answered above, however what has not been mentioned is the terrible quality of the body, chassis and suspension metals used.

 

Here is a link to a post I did in 2009 on a 2004 350z that came into the workshop, went on to see a good many after this one in as bad or worse state, shocking for a five year old car at the time, makes you wonder nearly 10 years on what the corrosion would look like, with lots of sub £4k 350z around now, mostly with +150k miles they may not be quite the deal they look at first.

 

 

https://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?133010-350z&highlight=350z

 

 

Edited December 27, 20186 yr by JeffTT

 

Get a 350 in a sweeps skin LOL, thats what I did. Not a fast due to the weight but still fun and can even sleep in it :lol:

I have been thinking of using a 350z engine and gearbox and transplanting it into the 300zx with the poss upgrade of twin turbos.

A more reliable engine and gearbox possibly. Thoughts?

I dont know why anybody would want to do such a thing mate. Its just something I would never even concider.

No more or less reliable than a VG. The VG is actually a reliable unit when well maintained. The only real benefit I can possibly see is the weight of the thing. VG has an iron block and the VQ has an alloy block. A Twin Turbo modified VQ is likely to be less reliable and significantly more expensive than a VG30DETT.

I have been thinking of using a 350z engine and gearbox and transplanting it into the 300zx with the poss upgrade of twin turbos.

A more reliable engine and gearbox possibly. Thoughts?

 

That’s a lot of hassle and expense for a similar power output. You could build a fantastic VG for less of both or install a superior engine. If it was a bolt in affair I can see the appeal of NA producing similar power, but it’s not, by far and the VQ can’t handle proper boost without internal work, supercharged they seem ok but Turbos no.

Either sell your Z32 and buy a Z33, they’re so cheap now and enjoy it as it is or upgrade your Z32.