I've had my 200SX now for coming up 10years. It's still a joy to drive and has had basically nothing go wrong with it in all those years.

 

I'm toying with the idea of a change (at long last). I thought of getting a Honda S2000, but was rather disappointed in them.

 

So the next idea is maybe save £10000 and instead get a 300ZX.

 

Has anyone driven/owned both of these vehicles (an S13 and 300ZX) who can give me some idea of how they compare.

 

Is the 300ZX noticably faster for example?

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated...

 

I believe the last 300ZXs were sold here about 96/97? So that would mean having to buy a 7-8yr old car I guess :(

Hi Mate,

 

The 300 is noticeably faster and is more of a grand tourer, the 200 is nimbler sort of sprint type of car, the last UK cars were 1994, if you want younger then you have to get an import!

 

You could always buy a nice convertible :D

That's just too old! I couldn't buy a 10yr old car now :(

 

Aren't the imports not as well produced as UK versions? Or that just more recent cars? Also the insurance costs are higher aren't they?

I've owned x2 S13's and an S14, they dont really compare to the Z.

 

I loved my S13's better than the S14. The 1.8 is easy to work on, I remember when I was working on it I thought it was a nightmare, but after owning the Z, the 2 hundy was a dream to work on!!!! so much space!

 

Performance terms, a good 200sx slighty moded, will keep up with a standard Z close to 60, after this the Z will kill the 200. A slightly modded Z will take out a 200 easily (unless silly money is spent on the 200)

 

Both offer roughly same duel economy, the 1.8 is very thursty on the 2hundy as im sure you will agree. My latest 200 was tuned to aprx 260bhp and round town, would do 25-30 miles to a tenner. I consistently get 30 from the Z. The Z is better on long journeys too, better milage than the 200, and more comfortable.

 

TBH, the Z is quicker, the interior is much much nicer in the Z also. The 200 is a bit plain and feels a bit cheap to the Z's interior. The back end of the Z is easier to control than the 200 also I find.

 

That said, I really miss my most recent 200. I sold it to a friend and see it driving round town, and for the money, I would have another tomorrow if I could afford to run three to four cars!

 

Heres a link to my most recently sold one, and I loved it, should have kept it for the money I sold it for :( it looked better than a Z imho too

 

 

:( :( I still love her :(

 

 

The Z tho, is overall a better car, and you would not be disapointed. My brother works for fishbrothers honda, and has had to deliver s2000's from the compound to the show room on numerous occasions. My Z completly kills the S2000, also when I drove the S2000 I wasnt to impressed. Farily torquey but its gear changes every 30mph nearly! fooking silly.

Well, I just couldn't face buy a 10+ year old car... If you could get the 300s say 6-7 year old I'd consider it :(

 

It's a real shame. My 200 is relatively pokey. Great fun to drive and has plenty of room. There is no current car around that seemingly offers this package. If the new 350Z actualy had some room I'd consider one of those!!

Heres a link to my most recently sold one, and I loved it, should have kept it for the money I sold it for :( it looked better than a Z imho too

 

........

 

:( :( I still love her :(

 

That's a very nice looking car. I have toyed with the idea of getting an S13 for something to mess with and 'practice on' instead of fiddling with my zed, which I just don't want to touch. If you don't mind me asking, how much did you sell it for? There don't seem to be as many S13's around on sale as there are zeds.

They made the 300ZX til 1999 in Japan, try a few importers. There are no real downsides to J-Specs, insurance is a tad higher obviously, and more UK cars have leather.

 

Have a look at http://www.300zx.org.uk - there is a import/UK model comparison page which will show you the differences.

 

Good luck

 

Pete

Well, I just couldn't face buy a 10+ year old car... If you could get the 300s say 6-7 year old I'd consider it

 

Hmmm, sound like you need to get off your high horse? do you drive a 330ci and wear a suit too? whilst tailgating people? You would conside it? well arnt we privalaged?

 

Age is a load of tosh, unless you like paying for a letter.

 

Our cars will and can wipe the floor with 90% of new cars, gets more looks, more exclusive (not as many around) and is nicer IMHO.

 

I know people that have bought new cars (my missus' for example, never again!!!!!) and the car has had more problems than mine!

 

To buy a car for a letter on the number plate is truely sad, always makes me laugh when you get these guys paying 20-30k for bmw's, mercs, hondas and such that cant even compete with our cars.

 

Who wants a new car anyway? to smell the fresh plastic (yum!) and to see a few didgits on the counter at 0?

 

Buying a new car or even newish, is a waste of money IMO. You may as well just throw hard earned cash in the toilet the minute it goes off that forecort?

 

If you like new cars then go ahead and buy a new one, if you dont like Z's because of the age then why even come on the site and ask about them?

 

One of my new cars is going to be an 18k 1967 car? I guess to you that must be worse than death having a car nearly 40 years old? and paying 18k for the privilage?

 

Older cars are class, new ones are plastic fantastic peices of shit? and as for a 350z whats one of them? oh yeh the new age bmw drivers who buy into a 'sports car' who probably didnt even know Z heritage and even what they are? just cause they saw some crappy advert on tv. And god arnt they slow? as you saw on top gear even a 'stock' 300zx that is '10 years old :eek:' beat the shit out of it? and stock ones are pretty slow!

 

I dont know when people are going to learn. It's not all age, its about the car! I would rather anyday buy a nice Z for 6-7k then have saved 15-20k. **** me even if something does need doing on it it can be done mint and still have money in the bank???

 

:rolleyes:

They made the 300ZX til 1999 in Japan, try a few importers. There are no real downsides to J-Specs, insurance is a tad higher obviously, and more UK cars have leather.

 

Have a look at http://www.300zx.org.uk - there is a import/UK model comparison page which will show you the differences.

 

Good luck

 

Pete

 

That's odd! The Japanese 300ZXs have 225 rear types!?! Thought they'd be 245 as standard!

I would'nt mind a brand new 350Z!!!!!

Hmmm, sound like you need to get off your high horse? do you drive a 330ci and wear a suit too? whilst tailgating people? You would conside it? well arnt we privalaged?

 

Age is a load of tosh, unless you like paying for a letter.

 

Our cars will and can wipe the floor with 90% of new cars, gets more looks, more exclusive (not as many around) and is nicer IMHO.

 

I know people that have bought new cars (my missus' for example, never again!!!!!) and the car has had more problems than mine!

 

To buy a car for a letter on the number plate is truely sad, always makes me laugh when you get these guys paying 20-30k for bmw's, mercs, hondas and such that cant even compete with our cars.

 

Who wants a new car anyway? to smell the fresh plastic (yum!) and to see a few didgits on the counter at 0?

 

Buying a new car or even newish, is a waste of money IMO. You may as well just throw hard earned cash in the toilet the minute it goes off that forecort?

 

If you like new cars then go ahead and buy a new one, if you dont like Z's because of the age then why even come on the site and ask about them?

 

One of my new cars is going to be an 18k 1967 car? I guess to you that must be worse than death having a car nearly 40 years old? and paying 18k for the privilage?

 

Older cars are class, new ones are plastic fantastic peices of shit? and as for a 350z whats one of them? oh yeh the new age bmw drivers who buy into a 'sports car' who probably didnt even know Z heritage and even what they are? just cause they saw some crappy advert on tv. And god arnt they slow? as you saw on top gear even a 'stock' 300zx that is '10 years old :eek:' beat the shit out of it? and stock ones are pretty slow!

 

I dont know when people are going to learn. It's not all age, its about the car! I would rather anyday buy a nice Z for 6-7k then have saved 15-20k. **** me even if something does need doing on it it can be done mint and still have money in the bank???

 

:rolleyes:

 

Calm down!

 

The reason I'm currently looking into a new car are:-

1) I've had my 200 for nigh on 10years now! Time for a change?!

2) The main reason is, it's first patch of rust has started (drive side in front of rear arch under sill). This will cost £500 to get fixed. And there will no doubt be more to follow.

 

The reason I don't fancy buying a 10+ year old car is this I would suspect is the age when serious expensed start coming in...

 

My 200 is in excellent condition after 10 years of very good care!

 

If I could find a 300ZX for 96-97, low mileage and a 1yrs warranty on it I'd buy it I suspect - as long as it looked nice of course :)

 

If youve had your 200 10 years then fair play!

 

But the thing is, as you just said cars that are older are not all rust buckets and crap? I bet you love your 200 even though its 10 years old? and it looks pretty mint too.

 

old cars need a bit of TLC and looking after just like people or anything else that is old, its no reason to put them in the bin, otherwise there would be nothing but ford focus', bmw 3 series, mondeos and alike running around!

 

All im getting at is because a car is old, doesnt mean its gotta go or not be bought.

 

I just get anoyed with so many people who dont appreciate older cars. I hear it all the time :(

Mines a '92, it's been in this country since 2000 (Jap import), and there is not a spec of rust on it!!!! Things can go wrong, and things can be prevented from going wrong. Theres nothing wrong with older cars, as long as they have been looked after, like the good majority of Zed's on here.

If youve had your 200 10 years then fair play!

 

But the thing is, as you just said cars that are older are not all rust buckets and crap? I bet you love your 200 even though its 10 years old? and it looks pretty mint too.

 

old cars need a bit of TLC and looking after just like people or anything else that is old, its no reason to put them in the bin, otherwise there would be nothing but ford focus', bmw 3 series, mondeos and alike running around!

 

All im getting at is because a car is old, doesnt mean its gotta go or not be bought.

 

I just get anoyed with so many people who dont appreciate older cars. I hear it all the time :(

 

Well... Take my case... I've test driven two Honda 2000 over the past couple of days. I would have loved to have liked them enough to get one to replace my SX. But to be honest my 13yr old SX is a smoother and quieter drive. + I have loads of room as well.

 

I suspect in reality I will get the sill on my 200SX treated (£500) and just live with it... Unless I find a mint 300ZX I know my car is dead reliable etc...

 

The only other car that takes my fancy is the new RX8, but this is practically a fleet car so there are loads of them around already :(

Neil,

 

The imports are usually better condition than the UK models and now offer the same insurance costs!

Well... Take my case... I've test driven two Honda 2000 over the past couple of days. I would have loved to have liked them enough to get one to replace my SX. But to be honest my 13yr old SX is a smoother and quieter drive. + I have loads of room as well.

 

I suspect in reality I will get the sill on my 200SX treated (£500) and just live with it... Unless I find a mint 300ZX I know my car is dead reliable etc... and a reasonable pokey drive...

 

The only other car that takes my fancy is the new RX8, but this is practically a fleet car so there are loads of them around already :(

Mines a '92, it's been in this country since 2000 (Jap import), and there is not a spec of rust on it!!!! Things can go wrong, and things can be prevented from going wrong. Theres nothing wrong with older cars, as long as they have been looked after, like the good majority of Zed's on here.

 

How much is your insurance roughly out of interest?

Have owned both, had a s13 before the zed. S13 was an awesome car

easier to live with than the zed, just doesn't look anywhere near as

good as the z (imho ;) ). Prefer the zed for the sheer power of it, not

to mention the looks you get! I'm 35 btw, paying £507 f/c with

Houghtons insurance (classic policy).

Have owned both, had a s13 before the zed. S13 was an awesome car

easier to live with than the zed, just doesn't look anywhere near as

good as the z (imho ;) ). Prefer the zed for the sheer power of it, not

to mention the looks you get! I'm 35 btw, paying £507 f/c with

Houghtons insurance (classic policy).

 

Why was the S13 easier to live with?

 

From a drive point of view, is the Z responsive and nippy?

I also had a 1991 S13. It was my first 'venture' into proper cars (RWD Turbo). It was bog stock all the time I had it, until 1999 it burned down in a garage fire :(.

 

In 2000 I got a Z to replace it, I wanted one since i was 14 and thought fook it, buy one.

 

Differences between the two? First off, my S13 had no LSD, so going sideways washeart in mouth affair, didn't know which wheel was going to spin/grip, was a bit messy, did not enjoy it at all. In Z, LSD help immensely, drifting in wet is lovely and predictable. Love it.

 

Engine differences, when turbo spooled on S13 @ 3500? there was a kick in the back, was quite fun. Not much power or torque below that though. Z engine is just silky smooth all the way, no great steps in power, stock tubs spool @ 3000, but there is PLENTY of torque below that.

 

Suspension. I always thought my S13 was too long and narrow. Dunno why, just did. Stock suspenstion was a bit too soft for me really, bit too much body roll. Z suspension seems lower and stiffer and more settled. Seems to cope with high speed (120+) stuff better. But, it tends to push the front if you throw it into a slowish corner on closed throttle.

 

Braking, S13 no probs, was as good as I hoped for. Z brakes are just about OK, need a good stamp to get you down from silly speeds quickly. In this and handling you notice the Z is 250kg heavier.

 

Fuel economy, S13 is better, but not by much (driven by me). Driven by my other half (off boost most of time) she got really good economy.

 

Looks. Z is short and wide, S13 has pop up lights (I love them).

 

Interior, S13 was a bit placcy, Z is still placcy, but a bit softer with it, lol. Oh, and some ppl say it's like sitting in a jet fighter.

 

If you consider that the Z 'only' cost £10k more than an S13 at the time, Nissan invested that very well on the engine (2 more cylinders, VVT & 1 more turbo) & suspension (Hicas RWS).

 

S13 main faults, suspension & lack of LSD (I know later ones had them).

 

Z32 main faults, Brakes not great, weight is a disadvantage, eats tyres and fuel for breakfast, but it's fun and sounds awesome with loud zorst :D

 

I would seriously still consider an S13 as a runaround, I loved mine, but as a package the Z seems to do everything better.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Robert.

I've had a couple of S13's - the Z is the quicker car believe me. My S13 has 230bhp and although bloody quick, it lacked the refinement that the Z has. The V6 in the Z is a lovely sounding motor too!

Neil

 

I had a 1991 S13 for about seven years. It was getting problem including a rusty sill - £600 to fix.

 

So I sold it and bought a 1999 300ZX. I'd always wanted one but didn't realise you could get them as late as 2000.

 

It's a non-turbo model which is obviously slower that the twin turbo (it has about 220-230bhp as opposed to 280-300).

 

I wanted a late car as I haven't got the money or mechanical ability to keep an older car on the road if it had problems.There are plety of older cars which are in great condition but I didn't want to risk ending up with a rough old heap which would cost me a fortune to keep going.

 

I reckon the 300Zx is a fraction slower than the S13 to 60mph but faster above (its' heavier but more powerful).

 

My 300 handles MUCH better than the 200 did too. Allegedly the 1999 onwards 300ZX is stiffer that earlier models (it has other little differences too like a different front bumper).

 

Basically I was going to buy a Honda Accord Type R and I saw this in a dealer for only a fraction more money. I did a bit of research and bought it.

 

I love it to bits and hope to get years of trouble free use (touch wood).

Someone on here recommended Dixon's oF Dunblane as they have late 300s.

 

They have several in now including a 1998 twin turbo.

 

http://www.carsfromjapan.co.uk/coupes.html

How much is your insurance roughly out of interest?

 

I insured it through Heritage for 3000 miles limited use, as I have a daily driver, for £352, fully comp. But when i wanted to increse the miles by another 2000, they wanted another £178!!!!! So £530 for only 5000 miles is not all that good IMHO. So it looks like a call to Houghtons in December, see what they can do :hyper:

I'm 37, full no claims etc.

 

HTH

Someone on here recommended Dixon's oF Dunblane as they have late 300s.

 

They have several in now including a 1998 twin turbo.

 

http://www.carsfromjapan.co.uk/coupes.html

 

£14000!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

£14000!!!!!!!!!!! :shock:

 

Yeah, that is a bit steep I guess. It might be worth it if it was a 1999 car but it seems a lot for a '98.