BMW Z4 2003-06 3.0i or Nissan 350Z 2003-06?

[mazdaspd96]

Hi Folks,

Since last thread, I now hesitate between a Z4 and a 350Z, boat roadster... Price are lower for the Nissan a bit, much more power but Z4 is looking better...

What are you thougts?

Thanx

[The HACK]

I had a 350Z once. From 2004-2006. I also had my Z4 3.0i from 2004-2006 ish, although that was my wife's primary driver.

350Z pros: Gobs of torque from way down low, sleek coupe styling (although you'll be comparing roadster to roadster), intoxicating exhaust sound even when stock, tons of aftermarket support (intake, exhaust, tune, suspension all readily available at a much lower price), cheaper maintenance*.

Z4 pros: Much better built, excellent styling that does not appear outdated even now, silky smooth L6, superb steering feel despite electronic boost, HANDLES BETTER stock. Actually more usable space despite roadster v. coupe.

My 350Z had everything available under the sun thrown at it. Big wheels. Sticky tires. Intake, exhaust header, exhaust, tune, coil-overs, big brake kits...You name it, it's got it. It's even got some gaudy vinyl wrap on it. The best thing, for me, about that 350Z was someone else was paying the bills for it (don't ask) and I got all the mods for (mostly) free. I did manage to drive it in stock form for about 6 month, and even though ultimately, with all the stuff I put on the car, it was fun and enjoyable, ultimately, if I have a choice, I'd take the Z4.

* The Z4 actually was cheaper to maintain because of the extended service intervals and BMW paying for the first 4 years, 50,000 mile's worth of maintenance. However, you take that out of the equation, since none of the Z4s you'll be looking at right now will have the factory maintenance plan still in place, then the 350Z was cheaper to maintain. The brakes and brake pads were cheaper. The oil change, even with synthetic and DIY, is cheaper (3.5L vs. 6.5L). Wheels and tires not withstanding, labor rates at Nissan dealership and parts cost are overall cheaper. However if you DIY, then the difference isn't that glaring.

[GuidoK]

have you ever sat in a 350z?
If you park a 350z (roadster) next to a z4 roadster with open top, the 350z interior looks like it's made of toy plastic and the z4 has way more quality feel (and thàts even 'substandard' bmw).

Also the 350z roadster is incredibly heavy. 1610kg (3550lbs!), and it is 'marginally stiff'. The z4 only weighs about 1295kg (2850lbs) (both numbers factory spec, kerb weight may be a little bit more).
A sportscar should be light and nimble. If the road/track is a bit twisty, the z4 may be faster. (factory 0-62 time is also 0,5 sec faster for the z4 roadster than for the 350z roadster). I compared the pre facelift 350z as it is the same era. It's also better looking (with the grooves in the bonnet instead of the amorphous bulge)
If you're thinking about a 350z, get the coupe. Better looking better performance.
Also the z4 is a more developed roadster. The z4 roof is fully electric (when opted, there is a manual version almost nobody has), and the 350z still has a manual latch (like the boxster etc). A car like that can e.g. never open it's roof from the outside (with the key or something), and a z4 can (maybe an electronic $100 module is needed)

Also when buying a used z4, options included are way better quality. Stereo is better (especially the more expensive factory systems), nav is better (did the 350z prefl have nav optionally installed?) etc etc etc.

The only things the 350z has on the plus side is that the engine maybe is stronger/faster at speed, as weight becomes less important and horsepower/torque does. (But if that's your thing, buy a corvette etc.). And the 350z can be equiped with a factory brembo brake set. That is a 'sort of' BBK (they look nice, but the calipers and rotors are not near as big as your 'average aftermarket' BBK kit. And I think a lsd is stock (as lots of japanese sportscars have). That last one is the most important one imho (as it makes both drivetrain and handling better, especially in situations where you need that). But lots of aftermarket lsd options for the z4 of course.

If you're in the market for a roadster and you want decent handling, go for a car that was initially designed as a roadster, and not a coupe with chopped roof. Roadsters designed as roadsters are generally even a bit lighter than their coupe sistercars, but the other way around that extra weight from reinforcements to prevent the car collapsing can add up 250+lbs in some cases. Also most roadsters that are known for great handling are designed as roadsters (z4, boxster, s2000, elise, mx5 etc)

[mazdaspd96]

Thanx for your answers! It is really a good forums here, with great members!

[Yvette]

if non M, I would go for 370z

[mazdaspd96]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

if non M, I would go for 370z

I speak about 350z here!

[papitosabe]

Originally Posted by e90sexion

if non M, I would go for 370z

[Taylorguy74]

Originally Posted by papitosabe

Awesome. Can I get the link for that? I want a new fridge magnet! LOL!

[Taylorguy74]

Not that you need a comparo - I drove a 370 coupe and then a Z4M roadster - loved them both. I bought the Z4M roadster the next day. 370 was amazing all around, it was an amazing ride with all the bells and whistles - the z4m won with the "smile effect". Bigger smile and 'wow' factor driving. Try both and then decide. I chose based on that - cost aside. Probably not what you are looking for, but inspirational! The Z4M is also my weekend car - if different, the 370 coupe would have been more of my daily driver.

[Yvette]

Originally Posted by mazdaspd96

I speak about 350z here!

in the case, I would still get 350z

[schwank]

the non M z4 will be "more refined" and the 350z will be "sportier" I went from an 03 350z, to an 06 M coupe. I would chose the 350z over the Non M z4 too. the 350z has basically the same engine that comes in the maxima for over 10 years so it should be less expensive to maintain (and mod if that matters to you).

[dragonfire6]

Is this going to be your DD? I've owned two 350Z's for over 150k and I love that car to death. I'm not getting a 350Z Roadster because I would like a change of scenery. The 350Z has more HP to start with anduch more aftermarket support but a big complaint from owners is that the VQ engine does not respond well to mods - good to know if that is the route you were planning on taking- meaning you spend a lot of $$$ for not much HP.

I sold my last Z with over 200k on the clock and I'm sure she is still running strong of the new owner kept up with oil changes. I've gotten older and my tastes have changed. I really like the refined look of the Z4 and the smooth engine. I think pulling up to a business meeting in a Z4 says something different about me versus pulling up in a 350Z, if you can understand that.

I did everything except oil changes & alignments on my Z, including brakes, rotors, belts and I don't think anything was more than a two beer job. Either luckily or a testament to the platform, I never had any other issues with either car and there were plenty of 600+ mile weeks for both.

Stop over at My350Z.com and ask the same question to make sure you cover all your bases if you want honest opinions from both sides.

[ShakyDog]

Drove a 2010 or 2010 370Z Nizmo Coupe before buying my 2007 Z4 3.0i Roadster. The clutch was horrible, felt like a it came out of a truck. Shifter was vague. Rear viability, was almost nonexistent (made even worst with gaudy spoiler). This was the only model they had on the lot with a manual. They had six or seven 370Zs on the lot, all autos. Asked them to find a roadster with manual, never heard back form them. Drove the Z4 the next day, less than 200' and realized it was a much better choice for me. The strait six has a feel that no V has ever had. The interior on the 370Z looked like a Japanese sci-fi movie prop, to many read lights and crap. Z4 interior simple with no unneeded crap.

Then again, I really feel in love with the Z4.

Steve

[gas-can]

Originally Posted by ShakyDog

Drove a 2010 or 2010 370Z Nizmo Coupe before buying my 2007 Z4 3.0i Roadster. The clutch was horrible, felt like a it came out of a truck. Shifter was vague. Rear viability, was almost nonexistent (made even worst with gaudy spoiler). This was the only model they had on the lot with a manual. They had six or seven 370Zs on the lot, all autos. Asked them to find a roadster with manual, never heard back form them. Drove the Z4 the next day, less than 200' and realized it was a much better choice for me. The strait six has a feel that no V has ever had. The interior on the 370Z looked like a Japanese sci-fi movie prop, to many read lights and crap. Z4 interior simple with no unneeded crap.

Then again, I really feel in love with the Z4.

Steve

Glad I'm not the only one that noticed the clutch and shifter on the 350z. That said, the gearbox in the Z4 is one of the hardest I've found to consistently shift smoothly. It takes concentration to drive this car smoothly, but when you do get it, it feels so awesome.

I would imagine either car would make you happy. Do you want the angry growl of a V , or the silky smoothness of an Inline? They both look beautiful as well (imho). Reliability would be pretty similar as well I would think? The Z4 is definitely very easy to work on, if you do your own stuff (especially compared to a Honda, which are easy to work on to begin with).

If you want the raw brutish speed, the m might warrant taking a look at as well. I looked at both when I got my 3.0. The M was awesome, but I travel nearly 100 miles per day and it would have been a bit too much. Plus the ginormous battery in the middle of the trunk would have killed any chance of putting a guitar in the trunk.
The 3.0 is plenty fast for me, gets me ~30mpg on the highway, and is a tonne of fun on a curvy mountain road. Even after more than a year, I still look forward to driving it everyday and I catch myself looking back at it and grinning.

Have fun with your choice!
-gc

[HEY32G]

Originally Posted by Taylorguy74

Not that you need a comparo - I drove a 370 coupe and then a Z4M roadster - loved them both. I bought the Z4M roadster the next day. 370 was amazing all around, it was an amazing ride with all the bells and whistles - the z4m won with the "smile effect". Bigger smile and 'wow' factor driving. Try both and then decide. I chose based on that - cost aside. Probably not what you are looking for, but inspirational! The Z4M is also my weekend car - if different, the 370 coupe would have been more of my daily driver.

Interesting. I am sitting here trying to decide between a Z4M Roadster and a Nismo 370Z. Leaning toward the M, because it's so much more refined and you can tell engineered to the hilt. My only hesitation is the cost of ownership. I know the Z would be no problem, I'm not sold on that fact on the M. My heart says M, my brain says Z. It will be a car that I keep for a long, long time.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by GH32335i

Interesting. I am sitting here trying to decide between a Z4M Roadster and a Nismo 370Z. Leaning toward the M, because it's so much more refined and you can tell engineered to the hilt. My only hesitation is the cost of ownership. I know the Z would be no problem, I'm not sold on that fact on the M. My heart says M, my brain says Z. It will be a car that I keep for a long, long time.

You want the M for sure. I expect you will get bored with the 370Z. Cost of ownership is quite exaggerated for the M IMHO.

[HEY32G]

Originally Posted by chickdr

You want the M for sure. I expect you will get bored with the 370Z. Cost of ownership is quite exaggerated for the M IMHO.

That's what my wife says. Having had 20+ cars, she says if I get the Z, I'll be back on AutoTrader in a year or two. I really look at the M as a future classic, which will make me want to keep it. I just think it's the last of its kind. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by GH32335i

That's what my wife says. Having had 20+ cars, she says if I get the Z, I'll be back on AutoTrader in a year or two. I really look at the M as a future classic, which will make me want to keep it. I just think it's the last of its kind. Thanks for your thoughts.

Excellent choice, a great fun car.

[There's plenty of room in the trunk for a pipe and some hair gel too. ]

[dragonfire6]

He asked about a Z4 (I'm assuming non-M) and a 350Z and everyone is commenting on the 370Z and a Z4M... Down the rabbit hole we go.

[angelr]

Originally Posted by GH32335i

That's what my wife says. Having had 20+ cars, she says if I get the Z, I'll be back on AutoTrader in a year or two. I really look at the M as a future classic, which will make me want to keep it. I just think it's the last of its kind. Thanks for your thoughts.

This describes my compulsion and thought process pretty closely and is exactly what my wife said. Either get the z4mc or expect you'll be looking for one again within 18 months.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by angel@forgemotorsport.com

This describes my compulsion and thought process pretty closely and is exactly what my wife said. Either get the z4mc or expect you'll be looking for one again within 18 months.

Not so.

I bought my 3.0si in October 2009 and today, over four years later, she is still one of my most prized posessions.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Not so.

I bought my 3.0si in October 2009 and today, over four years later, she is still one of my most prized posessions.

I think they meant vs a 350z. Of course the "regular" Z's are great too!