An "Unbiased 350z Review"
08-27-2008, 08:44 AM
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An "Unbiased 350z Review"
ok so i was just browsing some forums, and found this..
An Unbiased 350z Review
and one replied:
so i just wanted to put it to the test. what do you guys think? i think it was pretty fair...but then again, i too like the z. 
An Unbiased 350z Review
My bad in advance since this might be a little bit too long since it's just a ramble
I guess I've been lurking these forums for a bit and I want to give an unbiased thought about what I think about the Nissan 350Z
Now, I don't own a 350Z, in fact I own the opposite of what a 350Z is. I own a Lexus IS300--a 4 door, inline 6, underpowered "sporty" sedan--so I'm not being biased whatsoever.
I've seen many places (namely forums) and people hating on the 350Z. Why? Is it jealousy? Envy? Actual hatred? Competition? "Yes" could be the answer to those questions most of the time but that's not really why.
The 350Z is a benchmark car. It's well powered, sexy and it gets the job done around the track better and or on par with cars above it's price point. It's reliable and it comes from a land where the economical cars come from.
I've been to several car "meets" (read: ricer's paradise) and some car shows. I've talked to several people and a lot of them talk down on the 350Z. I ask them what they drive and they say they brought some base Integra with an intake. Now don't get me wrong; Integra's are decent, economical cars but talking **** about a faster, better looking, more expensive SPORTS car when you bring an Integra? Something's a little off there.
To be honest, the 350Z has the most presence than any other groups that show up to me IMHO. Why? Some are twin turbo'ed monsters that are pushing 500bhp on a STOCK block A 4 cylinder would explode with that much power.
Nothing looks like the 350Z (minus the G35/G37) and it's exhaust sound is different than most cars. It's almost a purrr and a growl and I couldn't believe it was coming from a V6. It definitely isn't underpowered and it can take a corner like a ****ing rocket.
The 350Z is a true SPORTS car. 2 seater, stiff suspension, powerful engine (could be debatable compared to F/I cars) and some people can't accept that.
What about the European car scene? "The 350z has a shitty interior, it's all plastic compared to my [insert BMW, Mercedes, VW car here]" is what I usually hear. The Z's interior isn't the best that's for sure but there shouldn't be Alcantara, fake Carbon Fiber panels and wood trim in a sports car. Sure it would be nice but you won't be fondling the interior of the car when you're driving and if you do you've got some problems.
The American car scene? LOL, Mustang GT owners are still a bit peeved that the 350Z can take them stock for stock. Turbo's and Superchargers in a Z doesn't help Camaros and Cobra's either
I've talked to STi and Evo owners and they're usually the ones who dislike dislike the 350Z for what it is. They think they're driving a sports car but in reality they're driving a turbocharged family sedan. Don't get me wrong--they're fast as hell but they will always be a sporty sedan as long as they have those 4 doors and that body style. Sports cars don't have 4 seats.
The Honda S2000 and the Z has been competing for quite some time and it has never been settled. S2k owners who usually dislike 350Z's call it fat, ugly and not as good on the track. Now I've seen 350Z's keep up and even own s2k's around the track before. That's the crazy part though--it can beat a track legend that the s2k is, yet still has more weight and more spacious interior and trunk space. It's even more comfortable and daily drivable than an s2k.
All cars have their ups and downs but for some reason I don't know why 350Z's get shitted on more than other cars do. It's annoying because most people that talk crap don't know what the hell they're talking about.
I think people who bought 350Z's made the best bang for the buck choice. A lot of people hate it when other people make a better decision than them.
With that said, I'm saving up money because I'm planning to buy a 350Z for myself in the near future
You guys own an incredible piece of machinery. I'm gonna join you guys one of these days!
I guess I've been lurking these forums for a bit and I want to give an unbiased thought about what I think about the Nissan 350Z
Now, I don't own a 350Z, in fact I own the opposite of what a 350Z is. I own a Lexus IS300--a 4 door, inline 6, underpowered "sporty" sedan--so I'm not being biased whatsoever.
I've seen many places (namely forums) and people hating on the 350Z. Why? Is it jealousy? Envy? Actual hatred? Competition? "Yes" could be the answer to those questions most of the time but that's not really why.
The 350Z is a benchmark car. It's well powered, sexy and it gets the job done around the track better and or on par with cars above it's price point. It's reliable and it comes from a land where the economical cars come from.
I've been to several car "meets" (read: ricer's paradise) and some car shows. I've talked to several people and a lot of them talk down on the 350Z. I ask them what they drive and they say they brought some base Integra with an intake. Now don't get me wrong; Integra's are decent, economical cars but talking **** about a faster, better looking, more expensive SPORTS car when you bring an Integra? Something's a little off there.
To be honest, the 350Z has the most presence than any other groups that show up to me IMHO. Why? Some are twin turbo'ed monsters that are pushing 500bhp on a STOCK block A 4 cylinder would explode with that much power.
Nothing looks like the 350Z (minus the G35/G37) and it's exhaust sound is different than most cars. It's almost a purrr and a growl and I couldn't believe it was coming from a V6. It definitely isn't underpowered and it can take a corner like a ****ing rocket.
The 350Z is a true SPORTS car. 2 seater, stiff suspension, powerful engine (could be debatable compared to F/I cars) and some people can't accept that.
What about the European car scene? "The 350z has a shitty interior, it's all plastic compared to my [insert BMW, Mercedes, VW car here]" is what I usually hear. The Z's interior isn't the best that's for sure but there shouldn't be Alcantara, fake Carbon Fiber panels and wood trim in a sports car. Sure it would be nice but you won't be fondling the interior of the car when you're driving and if you do you've got some problems.
The American car scene? LOL, Mustang GT owners are still a bit peeved that the 350Z can take them stock for stock. Turbo's and Superchargers in a Z doesn't help Camaros and Cobra's either
I've talked to STi and Evo owners and they're usually the ones who dislike dislike the 350Z for what it is. They think they're driving a sports car but in reality they're driving a turbocharged family sedan. Don't get me wrong--they're fast as hell but they will always be a sporty sedan as long as they have those 4 doors and that body style. Sports cars don't have 4 seats.
The Honda S2000 and the Z has been competing for quite some time and it has never been settled. S2k owners who usually dislike 350Z's call it fat, ugly and not as good on the track. Now I've seen 350Z's keep up and even own s2k's around the track before. That's the crazy part though--it can beat a track legend that the s2k is, yet still has more weight and more spacious interior and trunk space. It's even more comfortable and daily drivable than an s2k.
All cars have their ups and downs but for some reason I don't know why 350Z's get shitted on more than other cars do. It's annoying because most people that talk crap don't know what the hell they're talking about.
I think people who bought 350Z's made the best bang for the buck choice. A lot of people hate it when other people make a better decision than them.
With that said, I'm saving up money because I'm planning to buy a 350Z for myself in the near future
You guys own an incredible piece of machinery. I'm gonna join you guys one of these days!
If you posted this on some of the other car forums you mentioned, they would have strung you up by your ballZ and ripped you limb from limb.
08-27-2008, 09:36 AM
#3
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
I like the Z, and wasn't aware there was much hatred aimed in its direction. I think its a great car and while I own a S2k, I think they are completely different versions of a "sports car," with neither being the "right" choice merely different choices. I've always liked the 350z, thought it was a very unique car in the segment
08-27-2008, 09:37 AM
#4
Fahrvergnügen'd
I lusted (and I do mean lusted) after the 350Z from the moment I saw the production car until I test drove one in 2006.
That lusting stopped the moment I drove it. It was big, heavy, and didn't seem like it was as quick as it was supposed to be. It felt more like a GT than a sports car.
And GTs are fine if they are Ferrari 599s or Bentley Continentals with 550hp V12s but the purpose of the Z, I thought, was to be a modestly priced sports car.
In that regard it missed the boat. I knew driving it I'd never love it as much as I wished I would.
That lusting stopped the moment I drove it. It was big, heavy, and didn't seem like it was as quick as it was supposed to be. It felt more like a GT than a sports car.
And GTs are fine if they are Ferrari 599s or Bentley Continentals with 550hp V12s but the purpose of the Z, I thought, was to be a modestly priced sports car.
In that regard it missed the boat. I knew driving it I'd never love it as much as I wished I would.
08-27-2008, 09:41 AM
#6
Racer
I've always loved the Z also. I asked my wife if I could just weld baby seats into the rear hatch 
and she said no , meh what can you do?
Nothing sounds quite like the Z exhaust note........
and she said no , meh what can you do? Nothing sounds quite like the Z exhaust note........
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08-27-2008, 09:45 AM
#8
I Wanted a 350z for a long time now also, but after driving my friends this past weekend I didnt like it. Its a very atractive car and I love the way the engine sounds but its not that fast, my cl-s pulls harder(it has intake and headers) and I hate the clunky/notchy 6 speed trany with the crappy clutch feel, nothing like the sliky smooth shifts of the handa 6-speeds. I still love 350z tho, just dont think I would buy one.
08-27-2008, 10:28 AM
#10
I Wanted a 350z for a long time now also, but after driving my friends this past weekend I didnt like it. Its a very atractive car and I love the way the engine sounds but its not that fast, my cl-s pulls harder(it has intake and headers) and I hate the clunky/notchy 6 speed trany with the crappy clutch feel, nothing like the sliky smooth shifts of the handa 6-speeds. I still love 350z tho, just dont think I would buy one.
08-27-2008, 10:37 AM
#11
You'd be suprised...if he has a 6MT hes probably putting down 220whp stock...intake and headers will probably put in him in the 230+ range...My friends bone stock Z put 236whp to the wheels.
08-27-2008, 10:37 AM
#12
That guy sounds more like a 350Z fanboy than anything. I honestly haven't heard many people say anything bad about 350Zs at all, besides not liking the rear end. I haven't driven it but just from sitting in it, the shifter did seem pretty notchy. And to my (and his) surprise, his car - bone stock, nothing in trunk - weighs more than mine! 
I like the stance even when its stock though, it made my car look like a 4x4. I really like the exhaust note, and overall I like them a lot, its just that nothing ever really excited me about them.
At first I wanted to drive one, but after all the comments I almost don't want to.
I like the stance even when its stock though, it made my car look like a 4x4. I really like the exhaust note, and overall I like them a lot, its just that nothing ever really excited me about them. At first I wanted to drive one, but after all the comments I almost don't want to.
08-27-2008, 11:00 AM
#13
Instructor
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08-27-2008, 11:25 AM
#15
Oderint dum metuant.
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Never knew everyone hated it...don't really see why. Performance-wise, the Z is pretty good; great when modded. However, I've never totally been sold on its looks, and when I sat in one, I couldn't see squat out of the rear window. That's not enough to hate it.
08-27-2008, 12:28 PM
#18
I hear ya its just that when I had my 2003 z I pretty easily walked a cls-6mt. I used to own a cls too (auto, not modded). I guess I just have a hard time believing an intake and headers could make that much of a difference. The Z just had torque all over and the cls had nothing until vtec kicked in (yo)
08-27-2008, 01:36 PM
#22
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
That guy sounds more like a 350Z fanboy than anything. I honestly haven't heard many people say anything bad about 350Zs at all, besides not liking the rear end. I haven't driven it but just from sitting in it, the shifter did seem pretty notchy. And to my (and his) surprise, his car - bone stock, nothing in trunk - weighs more than mine! I like the stance even when its stock though, it made my car look like a 4x4. I really like the exhaust note, and overall I like them a lot, its just that nothing ever really excited me about them.
At first I wanted to drive one, but after all the comments I almost don't want to.
I like the stance even when its stock though, it made my car look like a 4x4. I really like the exhaust note, and overall I like them a lot, its just that nothing ever really excited me about them. At first I wanted to drive one, but after all the comments I almost don't want to.
You need to get some more seat time in a lot of different cars! Never driven a p-car, never driven a 350z
08-27-2008, 01:41 PM
#24
Senior Moderator
08-27-2008, 01:44 PM
#25
I just don't ever ask cause its kinda weird, I just insist indirectly for a test drive without being obvious. If they don't offer, then I don't ask. I'd go to a Porsche dealership to test drive a 911..... but its pretty much obvious why I'm there
08-27-2008, 02:28 PM
#26
08-27-2008, 02:28 PM
#27
Moderator Alumnus
My cousin had a 350z. I got to drive it a couple times. I also had an Evo at the time. The Evo felt much sportier all the way around. Acceleration, handling, you name it.
08-27-2008, 03:28 PM
#28
The Third Ball
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I like the Z a lot...but as far as comparing it to an s2000 on a track...depends. On an autocross course Zs are the greatest. ON a road course..yeah sure.
08-27-2008, 03:33 PM
#29
I'm Down Right Fierce!
[qoute] With that said, I'm saving up money because I'm planning to buy a 350Z for myself in the near future [/qoute]
Unbiased my ass... although I think the Z is a great car, I prefer the s2k
Unbiased my ass... although I think the Z is a great car, I prefer the s2k
08-27-2008, 09:26 PM
#30
?
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Drive the car and see for yourself. I test drove 2004's and a 2007and you can feel the difference b/t the VQ35DE and the VQ35HR. The 2007+ are nicer in my opinion, but you'll fall short on mods compared to the 03-05's. Stay away from the 06's and from my expieriences so far the biggest haters have been maxima and altima owners???
08-27-2008, 09:46 PM
#32
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Drive the car and see for yourself. I test drove 2004's and a 2007and you can feel the difference b/t the VQ35DE and the VQ35HR. The 2007+ are nicer in my opinion, but you'll fall short on mods compared to the 03-05's. Stay away from the 06's and from my expieriences so far the biggest haters have been maxima and altima owners???
08-27-2008, 10:05 PM
#33
The hair says it all
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I like the z a lot. That was a pretty bad "review" considering he never even talked directly about the car and its qualities, just wasted time talking about what other people thought of it. Who gives a crap, tell me why its good.
08-28-2008, 08:27 AM
#34
2010 SHAWD
I lust after the 350z. My dad had a 280 so it's been in my blood since I was 4. Maybe if I have my 2008 SI paid off, I'll get the second year of the 370Z when it drops.
08-28-2008, 02:38 PM
#35
Instructor
08-28-2008, 09:24 PM
#39
Burning Brakes
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Weird that he goes on and on about how it's a "sports" car, 2 seater, purpose built, blah blah, evos are sedans, etc and so on...then says it's also better than the S2k because it has more interior space and truck room. Double standard? I think so. Of course I'm just playing devils advocate, I like the 350z.
08-28-2008, 09:28 PM
#40