Try and convince me back

[Braeden]

Originally Posted by FR-S.13

86 > 350Z > 370Z

Source: I own or have owned all three.

.02

Why 350 over 370? Isn't the 350 just a smaller engine and cheaper interior?

[Summerwolf]

Originally Posted by Braeden

Why 350 over 370? Isn't the 350 just a smaller engine and cheaper interior?

No. There were some significant changes between the two models.

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by FR-S.13

86 > 350Z > 370Z

Source: I own or have owned all three.

.02

I agree with you having owned an 86 and 350z AE, and having driven a couple of 370z's w/SP.

But should be noted that for performance, that order is backwards. Just comes down to what you want, performance vs. feel/balance.

[Twinz]

For straight line performance they are backwards, yes.

But, for instance, the 350 and twins are in the same "stock" (street) class in the scca, and the twins are usually able to put down faster times. Now, that's only because the Z has a few small issues that are easy to fix...but not within street class rules.

[totopo]

Originally Posted by Twinz

For straight line performance they are backwards, yes.

But, for instance, the 350 and twins are in the same "stock" (street) class in the scca, and the twins are usually able to put down faster times. Now, that's only because the Z has a few small issues that are easy to fix...but not within street class rules.

for autox the order is 370z > 86 > 350z

for road course it's 370z > 350z > 86

for performance.

I think the 370z drives a lot more pleasantly at the track than on the streets. Definitely doesn't have the tossability of lighter cars.

[totopo]

Originally Posted by Braeden

Why 350 over 370? Isn't the 350 just a smaller engine and cheaper interior?

there were a lot of really significant changes to the chasis and engine. The changes basically made it a more stable car with much better track performance, but a lot of people feel like it is less fun to drive than the 350z.

[Twinz]

Originally Posted by totopo

for road course it's 370z > 350z > 86

for performance.

-If the 370Z has a good aftermarket oil cooler on it. Otherwise the 370Z goes into limp mode. The 370Z Nismo's I have autocrossed were great, but I don't know if/when Nissan started putting good oil coolers the Nismo's. They aren't needed for autocross, so I had no limp mode issues there. ZdayZ and the Tail of the Dragon had 370Z owners shopping for oil coolers though.

[totopo]

Originally Posted by Twinz

-If the 370Z has a good aftermarket oil cooler on it. Otherwise the 370Z goes into limp mode. The 370Z Nismo's I have autocrossed were great, but I don't know if/when Nissan started putting good oil coolers the Nismo's. They aren't needed for autocross, so I had no limp mode issues there. ZdayZ and the Tail of the Dragon had 370Z owners shopping for oil coolers though.

the 2013+ have oil coolers. The 86's like almost all oem cars have a oil temp problem (though not as bad) as well as the 370, the 370 just comes with a spiffy stock oil temp gauge so you know how bad it is. All stock cars really will have oil temp problems when driven by an experienced enough driver. If you want a tracked 86 to be reliable as well, you also need a oil cooler.

It's not too bad with the 2013+s, but it's not great. You usually need to run one cooldown lap in a 20 min session. I haven't had it go to limp mode, too chicken to test it. It's scary watching that needle climb.

[Braeden]

Really appreciate all the responses. I am 99% 2012 Nissan 370Z Nismo. I just saw one on the market in the area that I am moving to (most likely will be sold when I am there but thats besides the point) for $25k 15k miles.

If anyone else reads this later down the road here where my reasons why. I am entering college and don't really have the money to modify a 86 like I would want it. The roads near me are relatively straight and I feel like I would have more fun with higher horsepower. Lastly, kinda adding on the first reason the Nismo comes spec'd out and I can be content with its nismo modifications.

[FR-S.13]

Originally Posted by Braeden

Why 350 over 370? Isn't the 350 just a smaller engine and cheaper interior?

No, but those were certainly notable differences. I felt that the 350's suspension setup from the factory was more planted and notably firmer, which suits me better. The 370 was noticeably softer and more compliant. More touring car than corner carver. Plus, in hindsight, the styling of the 350 will hold up better over the years I think, if that matters to you.

But as always, it comes down to what you want and what you can afford; not necessarily in that order.
Good luck with your choice! What a time to be alive!

[FR-S.13]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

But should be noted that for performance, that order is backwards. Just comes down to what you want, performance vs. feel/balance.

I totally agree with you.

[Lonewolf]

Originally Posted by Braeden

I just test drove a 2012 Nissan 370z Nismo, sitting at $27,999 with 25k miles, and absolutely had a blast. I was smiling the whole time and surprising the sales lady let me do a couple decent pulls. As I left the car I continued to have a grin on my face and I just know thats the car I plan on getting in September.

I initially was waiting for 2017 BRZ, but there was just so much car there... anyone have any reason why I shouldn't get?

Get what you want, no one cares that much to convince you of anything

[Strife]

I was stuck in the same situation as well, 370z or frs. My reasoning to get an frs is:
-Cheaper insurance
-Better gas mileage
-Makes for a better daily driver
-Interior is much nicer and not as "cheap" as the 370z (Nismo interior is decent).

However, if money wasn't a problem i would've have 100% chosen the 370z. I love the looks, everytime I see one I fall in love. The aftermarket for 370z's are also quite phenomenal, not that it's really necessary with the nismo besides an aftermarket exhaust (I recommended fast intentions).

Some problems you may encounter with the 370z down the road are as follows:
-CSC (Clutch slave cylinder) Pretty common with 370z's. Should be under warranty and the dealership generally has new CSC's on their shelves.
-Steering lock: Super easy to take care of. Basically just need to pull a fuse/wire to disable it. the370z.com has a lot of useful information.
-Fuel starvation (Not sure if this is an issue with the newer models) The guage displays an inaccurate amount of fuel left in the gas tank. Unsure of a fix for this.
-Oil overheating: Not a big problem unless you live somewhere that is always incredibly hot. Even if you do it's only a worry if you're really pushing your car hard. Just buy an aftermarket oil cooler.

These are really the main problems, all have fairly simple solutions and some can be prevented easily. The vq motor awesome, reliable, and I looovvveee the sound with an aftermarket exhaust. I wouldn't have any worries getting a 370z. I'd go for it, no doubt.

Also some aftermarket parts I'd get for it:
-Exhaust: i.e fast intentions, ark, topspeed axleback (Cheap, makes it sound nice), etc.
-Lowering springs: 370z looks like a boat on stock suspension. I'd recommend getting front and rear camber arms to re-adjust camber and toe offsets back to stock for even tire wear.
-Backup camera: Almost necessary in my opinion. The visibility out of the 370z is god awful. Visibility for the front however is good for a sports car.

I could go on forever but I think you get the gist of it

[Braeden]

Originally Posted by Strife

I was stuck in the same situation as well, 370z or frs. My reasoning to get an frs is:
-Cheaper insurance
-Better gas mileage
-Makes for a better daily driver
-Interior is much nicer and not as "cheap" as the 370z (Nismo interior is decent).

However, if money wasn't a problem i would've have 100% chosen the 370z. I love the looks, everytime I see one I fall in love. The aftermarket for 370z's are also quite phenomenal, not that it's really necessary with the nismo besides an aftermarket exhaust (I recommended fast intentions).

Some problems you may encounter with the 370z down the road are as follows:
-CSC (Clutch slave cylinder) Pretty common with 370z's. Should be under warranty and the dealership generally has new CSC's on their shelves.
-Steering lock: Super easy to take care of. Basically just need to pull a fuse/wire to disable it. the370z.com has a lot of useful information.
-Fuel starvation (Not sure if this is an issue with the newer models) The guage displays an inaccurate amount of fuel left in the gas tank. Unsure of a fix for this.
-Oil overheating: Not a big problem unless you live somewhere that is always incredibly hot. Even if you do it's only a worry if you're really pushing your car hard. Just buy an aftermarket oil cooler.

These are really the main problems, all have fairly simple solutions and some can be prevented easily. The vq motor awesome, reliable, and I looovvveee the sound with an aftermarket exhaust. I wouldn't have any worries getting a 370z. I'd go for it, no doubt.

Also some aftermarket parts I'd get for it:
-Exhaust: i.e fast intentions, ark, topspeed axleback (Cheap, makes it sound nice), etc.
-Lowering springs: 370z looks like a boat on stock suspension. I'd recommend getting front and rear camber arms to re-adjust camber and toe offsets back to stock for even tire wear.
-Backup camera: Almost necessary in my opinion. The visibility out of the 370z is god awful. Visibility for the front however is good for a sports car.

I could go on forever but I think you get the gist of it

Appreciate the real response. Unless the 2017 models just "wow" me I am almost dead set on a 2012~ nismo. But that being said a family member is looking to find a new home for his 2002 Z3 M with randy forbes modifications. Pretty tempted to look into that because I would only have to pay up $12k and its only got 50k miles. The thing flies too. Pretty sure the S54 engine was rated at 320~hp.

have a lot of choices to make but either way thanks again for the info.