Jer309GTi 3 Posted June 17, 2016 Anyone on here got one, or any experience of driving one? Getting itchy feet and thinking it's time for a new car and these seem to tick all the boxes! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miles 331 1 Cars Posted June 17, 2016 Good in a straight line but handling isn't great, loads up tuning parts for them along with the charger kits which up's the power nicely, reliable as well Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jer309GTi 3 Posted June 17, 2016 When you say handling isn't great, is that as it's a bit soft and wollowy as standard? Would be a track focused car to replace the e30, so coilovers and the like would be on the shopping list. Had a quick look at the charger kits, they are definitely influencing my decision to buy one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Miles 331 1 Cars Posted June 17, 2016 We had one where I complete at a speed hill-climb and in the class he ran the car in (Over 2.0T) it was one of the slowest there, He said at Combe it was fine but it's a big old thing compared to the Evo which is a bloody good option, rarely go wrong, quick and handle OK when sorted. I have always liked the 'Z's thou Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alync406 4 Posted June 17, 2016 Haven't owned a 350Z but have driven a few. They are a nice enough car and the V6 sounds good in them. Comparing to a E30 they would be totally different, I have owned an E30 and I would say it's probably the most fun car to drive I have had and wouldn't expect the 350Z to handle anywhere as good as an E30 can as they are a lot heavier car. If you want something different to the E30 I'd say go for it. If you want something with a similar feel to the E30 I don't think it would be the right car for you. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bobbafett 49 2 Cars Posted June 17, 2016 Test drove one once and didn't like the handling. Very bulky and didn't 'feel' fast. Not surprised as they weigh something silly. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,666 Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) a good 325 will be quicker, an M3 will be a but quicker again. It must be the weight, was servicing on a rally last weekend, historic spec M3 came 6th overall, GT4 spec 350z was 4 min down at 25th, was an E30 325i between them. belgians are heros in bmw's though Edited June 17, 2016 by welshpug Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DBG 16 Posted June 17, 2016 (edited) I actually looked at getting one before my first Elise. I thought they were good fun to drive, but did feel a little heavy. I also wasn't impressed with the (standard) engine note, but I'm sure they sound great with induction and exhaust. With regards to speed (if that is what you're after), they are actually pretty capable if driven well. I recall all of the magazine track tests where they were well up there with lap times. Did a quick comparison on fastlaps against an E36 and 46 M3 and it seems, even though they are slightly slower in a straight line, they are pretty comparable around a track. I'd say they likely take a bit more skill to drive at 10/10ths than an Evo etc. I still have a soft spot for them and definitely wouldn't complain if I had one in the garage. Definitely worth a test drive at least. Ben Edited June 17, 2016 by DBG Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jer309GTi 3 Posted June 19, 2016 Cheers for all the replies, some good points to think about! The e30 I have has been rolling-roaded at 230bhp/250lb ft and weighs around 1100kg so it's got some poke to it (keeps with an e46 m3 up to about 120), and I'm sure a 350z wouldn't feel any quicker as standard, but the 350z wouldn't stay standard for long if I got one! The e30 is good fun to drive on track, but I fancy a change just lately, coupled with the fact it needs new panels fitting to the rear arches and floor and then spraying. I've seen there's a 350z for sale at a local garage, think I'll take it for a test drive this week and see what to make of them Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bakes100 20 1 Cars Posted June 23, 2016 I owned a 2007 350z a few years back. It was the 296 bhp 'uprev' version which I would steer clear of. They aren't particularly fast in a straight line and heavy through the corners to be honest. Great car as a cruiser as it was comfy and looked good. If you want it as a performance car I wouldn't bother unless you have money to burn on modifications. Also the LSDs don't actually do anything. If you do end up getting one id go for a newer 313 bhp version (with the bonnet bulge). I sold mine & brought a Z4M, which was a lot quicker. As a reference a 350z wouldn't keep up with an E46 M3. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DBG 16 Posted June 23, 2016 Based on the times that I posted above it seems they are not far off an E46 M3. Another comparison below (local track testing by motor magazine here in Australia) actually has the standard 2008 350Z quicker than the standard E46 M3. Same racing driver. Same track. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CsBzSLFLTpNItMmdjiS6wvyJO8mBOtpL_82AgzYnqcs/htmlview?pli=1 I remember thinking they were pretty capable on track as I was surprised they were similar pace to an Elise (when I was comparing the two many years ago). Have you had any luck with a test drive Jeremy? Interested to hear what you think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
camgti 56 Posted June 24, 2016 They are probably as quick as an M3 as stated but will not be anywhere near as involving to drive. They have a fairly clunky box but can take a flogging. Go drive one for a day and see if its your cup of tea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jer309GTi 3 Posted June 24, 2016 Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated! Didn't get to drive that one that was for sale locally unfortunately, it sold before I had a chance to get to there but will definitely try and drive one soon. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jer309GTi 3 Posted July 23, 2016 Just to update this, I ended up buying one Really like it, something completely different to the e30. Not driven it properly in anger on a track yet, but drives very well on the road. Ds2500's all round and some fresh high boiling-point brake fluid and I'll see how she goes round a track! 350 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
