350z to a 370z - Worth it?

[secretstar07979]

Hi guys.

 

I've been on these forums quite a bit recently and enjoy the conversation.

 

I've currently got a 350z with a couple of bolt on's giving it 286 bhp. I'm starting to feel I want more power and really just a change.

 

The 370z is the obvious choice however there are also other options. Most tempting is the Porsche Cayman S which you can pick up for similar money albeit an older car.

 

My question is this, Is the 370 noticeably better to drive than the 350? Is it noticeably quicker and more agile? Is it worth the extra 6 or 7k to upgrade or would I be better going for something else?

 

I know there will be some bias here! But I'm looking for opinions from people who I know would have driven both. I plan to test drive one as soon as I can find one for sale near to where I live but in the meantime your opinions would be welcome

 

Thanks

Adam

[Strudul]

370Z is supposed to be better in every single way than the 350Z (except looks ).

 

Wouldn't necessarily say it's worth the extra, but if you want more performance and don't want to mod your 350 heavily, then it's a very good option.

 

Personally I think I'd take a Cayman instead though. #WWED

Edited May 15, 2017 by Strudul

[RDON]

i have now moved onto the 370z from the 350 hr zed, and luckily managed to bag a MK1 nismo and yes its quicker and handles better. but I still have a fondness for my first 350z as it was a car that i had to wait a few years to be able to get and enjoy.

[Irn Bru]

I've been thinking similar of, mainly due to that I've taken my 350z modding as far as I am willing too, so would kinda like a new project and blank canvass bone stock next car to get modding. Although I love the 370z, it doesn't float my boat as much as the 350z does, but that just a personal choice. Im deliberating between either a Evo VI or Jag XKR. But the jag is kind of winning at the moment, with its V8 and tunability for easy 500 + horses and the fact you don't see any modded ones around. The Evo comes in at 440bhp in stock form and easily further modded and tuned also, but I'm an old git so the Jag will probably win. Main reason for either car is booooost, all 3 of my cars are N/A so a boosted car for my next modding project has to have FI.

[Will370z]

This question comes up a lot, understandably so. Some comments from 2010 http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/33288-is-the-370z-an-improvement-over-the-350z/page__st__80

 

The 370 is an evolution of the 350 so don't expect a huge jump forward. It is more refined, the interior is much improved, sound system is great and I love the sat nav. The best feature is the syncro rev matching though, it makes you feel like a professional rally driver.

 

I moved up from an early 2005 350z so jumping from 276bhp to nearly 350 after a few mods felt like a big jump to me, the car pulls far more all the way to the line. However others who had later 350s did not notice much difference. I remember Wasso and Andy commenting hat if they didn't look down into the cockpit they would think they were back in their 350s.

 

The gearbox is still quite agricultural, no change there. The stock 370 sounds terrible, it was a huge downer for me, the car needs a custom exhaust. I also find the 370 tramlines far more than my 350 ever did. A number of people have also commented that there is far more road and tyre noise in the 370. Also found there to be more room in the 350 and the seats were more comfortable, I'm 6ft 7 So find the cockpit a little tight

 

I do miss the sound of my old 350 and I felt the 350 was a more raw driving experience, you are certainly aware of the technology in the 370 and th driving experience is lessened as a result. In essence the 350 has grown up, it's a nicer place to be and I love the looks more (especially in roadster format) but t growing up it has lost some of its charm but gained other characteristics I like.

 

Which would I have, I'd take my 370 over the 350 any day but I still love and miss my old 350.

 

Now as to a 370 vs a Cayman, different question altogether. The Cayman is a superior drivers car in pretty much every way, it's a fine tuned scalpel compared to a pretty brutish gt car. Zed has more power by the Cayman would run rings around it. it all depends on what you fancy, take a test drive in both. Personally I see too many porsches around and wanted something more unusual and I'm happy with that for now.

[Strudul]

I've been thinking similar of, mainly due to that I've taken my 350z modding as far as I am willing too, so would kinda like a new project and blank canvass bone stock next car to get modding. Although I love the 370z, it doesn't float my boat as much as the 350z does, but that just a personal choice. Im deliberating between either a Evo VI or Jag XKR. But the jag is kind of winning at the moment, with its V8 and tunability for easy 500 + horses and the fact you don't see any modded ones around. The Evo comes in at 440bhp in stock form and easily further modded and tuned also, but I'm an old git so the Jag will probably win. Main reason for either car is booooost, all 3 of my cars are N/A so a boosted car for my next modding project has to have FI.

Completely different beasts the Evo and XKR. Tempted by an XKR myself, but there's something else that's caught my eye.

 

Have you considered a Monaro (VXR) / VXR8? They aren't SC'd from factory unless you go for the most recent models, but there's plenty of power and loads of easy mods. You can even pick up a 600bhp SC Monaro VXR for £15k and it will sound infinitely better than an Evo ever could.

Edited May 15, 2017 by Strudul

[Irn Bru]

Yeah had a look at them 3 years ago when I was looking for another car but the v8 Jeep won. Yes they are completely different cars but love them both tbh, may even get both of them eventually lol. Love the rawness of the evo, but also love the smoothness of v8's so will be a difficult decision when it comes around.

[Strudul]

Any reason you discounted them and prefer the Evo / XKR?

 

If I thought I could get insured (sensibly) on an SC Monaro I'd have one in a heartbeat, but I highly doubt it, so I'm left with the VXR8. I reckon the Evo / XKR will cost a lot more when the inevitable scary bills crop up, so the VXR8 is a somewhat safer option in my eyes... that or an IS-F.

 

Although I think a C5 Z06 or base C6 is currently at the top of my list.

Edited May 15, 2017 by Strudul

[Richf]

I had shortlisted the VXR8 but just felt that spending 22k on a 2009 car just wasnt enough for the money, they are really basic, we also thought about stretching to a Gen F but really wasnt impressed with the performance at all , really didnt feel that quick , although they are but dealer wanting a £5k deposit and 12 month waiting times really put pay to that

 

Had I not bought the Jag I would've got the IS-F , great cars

[Strudul]

£15-20k for a 6.0-6.2L, LS V8 with >400bhp, that can be very easily modified sounds pretty great value to me.

 

Sure it doesn't have all the fancy tech that a Merc would have, but that just means there's less to go wrong and it won't bankrupt you.

 

The IS-F is probably the logical choice and an excellent bit of kit, but I can't help but think it looks too plain. It doesn't look special. It's not the kind of car that you walk into another room for the sole purpose of gazing out of the window at it.

[coldel]

£15k-£20k will just about get you my Celica, PM me

[Jetpilot]

Personally i would just buy a charged 350 but only you can decide if its worth it

[Richf]

£15-20k for a 6.0-6.2L, LS V8 with >400bhp, that can be very easily modified sounds pretty great value to me.

 

Sure it doesn't have all the fancy tech that a Merc would have, but that just means there's less to go wrong and it won't bankrupt you.

 

The IS-F is probably the logical choice and an excellent bit of kit, but I can't help but think it looks too plain. It doesn't look special. It's not the kind of car that you walk into another room for the sole purpose of gazing out of the window at it.

 

They will all bankrupt you they are V8's

 

The VXR8 doesnt have the fancy tech a 370z has let alone high end stuff , the in car entertainment is woeful and 400hp really isnt a lot in a car like that its has similar performance to the 370z, plus you need specialist garages for work/parts etc

 

VXR8 doesn’t look special its just too much Vectra for me and its really not special inside

 

£20k for a 8 yr old Vauxhall with 77k on it just doesnt seem good value to me

 

https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/vauxhall/vxr8/09-09-vauxhall-vxr8-6-2-v8-ls3-6-speed-rare-manual-bi-modal-exhaust/7085168

 

When you could have a IS-F for £18k with just 43k on it, the IS-F is an excellent drivers car

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704194579078?model=IS%20F&radius=1500&make=LEXUS&sort=sponsored&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=wf82lt&page=1

[Strudul]

V8s have a few extra servicing costs, more bits to go wrong, and guzzle fuel, but I wouldn't say they are inherently that much more expensive than any other car. Look at the LS400 (XF10 / XF20), they have V8s, but are one of the most reliable cars ever made, so costs are low. The cars that will bankrupt you are the unreliable ones with big bills.

 

Much like a Corvette, the VXR8 isn't fancy, but to some that is part of the allure, even if the interior sucks. They are simple, powerful, and easy to work on / mod, plus there are plenty of specialists around for the more complex jobs.

 

However, the biggest advantage to the VXR8 is the LS engine. It just opens up infinite possibilities and has immense capability. If you want to stay stock or just do some basic mods (intake / exhaust), then the IS-F is probably the better choice, but the VXR8 will get you those big numbers for very little money (comparatively).

Edited May 16, 2017 by Strudul

[Irn Bru]

Any reason you discounted them and prefer the Evo / XKR?

 

If I thought I could get insured (sensibly) on an SC Monaro I'd have one in a heartbeat, but I highly doubt it, so I'm left with the VXR8. I reckon the Evo / XKR will cost a lot more when the inevitable scary bills crop up, so the VXR8 is a somewhat safer option in my eyes... that or an IS-F.

 

Although I think a C5 Z06 or base C6 is currently at the top of my list.

No specific reason, they just don't float me boat

[Strudul]

No specific reason, they just don't float me boat

Well that's no help (╯°□°）╯︵ â”»â”â”»

 

[Aashenfox]

Any reason you discounted them and prefer the Evo / XKR?

 

Let me be the first to say without shame that I am a brand snob and as good as the Monaro is....Me? Buy an Opel? BWAHAHAHAHA, you must be joking.

 

I'm pretty sure I'll be trading in the Z for a 987 boxster at some point. The cabrio is just too important in Greece, even if the Cayman does perform better.

 

BMW 135i??

Edited May 17, 2017 by Aashenfox

[coldel]

Ha! I had an 'Opel' called a VX220, which is really a Lotus underneath, would you not want one?

 

When I was a kid I remember the car I really loved was the Opel Manta! Super cool back in the day!

 

[Aashenfox]

Yes, I'd happily have a Speedster or a VX220 for that reason alone, it's an Elise with a proper engine. Lot of respect for that car, well said. Turbo version only though. 0-60 about 4.8 wasn't it?

 

Manta, yeh, great British staple, every housing estate has a chavved up yellow one that produces more decibels than horses.

 

I had a capri...

Edited May 17, 2017 by Aashenfox

[Strudul]

Let me be the first to say without shame that I am a brand snob and as good as the Monaro is....Me? Buy an Opel? BWAHAHAHAHA, you must be joking.

:lol;

 

I did consider the Monaro when looking for a Z, but have to admit I too didn't fancy the idea of owning a Vauxhall. That being said, now I know more about them they are looking much more tempting, and Nissan is hardly the best brand image

[coldel]

I agree, cannot own a Nissan and look down on a Vauxhall. Appreciate Nissan have the GT-R lineage but they also sell 99% of their products as little bubble cars Vauxhall has a great touring car heritage, there is one at Rockingham that is a monsterous car I would say Nissan and Vauxhall aren't leagues apart in terms of the brand.

 

Nowadays with the likes of Skodas made out of Audis its hard to turn your nose up to a badge alone

[Strudul]

Plus you get bullied and told you have a Renault engine

[Aashenfox]

I agree, cannot own a Nissan and look down on a Vauxhall. Appreciate Nissan have the GT-R lineage but they also sell 99% of their products as little bubble cars Vauxhall has a great touring car heritage, there is one at Rockingham that is a monsterous car I would say Nissan and Vauxhall aren't leagues apart in terms of the brand.

 

Nowadays with the likes of Skodas made out of Audis its hard to turn your nose up to a badge alone

 

I totally disagree, Opel has no brand identity, no (meaningful) heritage and no legendary sports cars that anyone cares about, Nissan has all of the above in spades and more. As for crappy little runarounds, Opel has a load of those as well, but without the legendary stuff supporting it. I can appreciate why you guys in the UK like Vauxhalls a bit, it's got a British identity, but come one, similar in brand prestige to Nissan? If you guys really believe that, it must be a UK thing. Opels are widely despised by car enthusiasts in Europe.

 

Perhaps it's time for a disclaimer. I'm an Opel hater, I always hated Vauxhall, blame the Nova SR. Every good thing Vauxhall ever did was because Lotus helped them (Carlton, VX220, etc). I'm only interested in mad cars, and Opel hasn't really ever made one (except any of the FWD VXRs which were mad in all the WRONG ways). Their cars lack character (a brush I will happily tar VW and Honda (in recent years) with as well) and for that I will continue to despise them. I welcome a Vauxhall education from someone in the know if my views are ill considered.

 

My favourite brand is Honda, closely followed by Porsche, but Honda lost the plot a few years ago when they stopped making interesting cars (when they made the last S2000s and EP3 Type Rs).

Edited May 17, 2017 by Aashenfox

[Strudul]

If there's one thing the new Type-R is, it's interesting.

 

[Aashenfox]

Don't even get me started. Where's the warp core in that thing anyway?