350z or S2000?

[boomhower]

For a daily driver the Z would be my choice.

 

[KentState]

Of those 2 I say Z.


But for 14k you can get a good C5 Vette. Just saying. :awe:

C5 would be a good alternative. Larger hatch area, targa top, easy to upgrade, LS1, can run on regular, and the parts are very common.

 

[Tristicus]

I switch my vote to this.

 

[amdhunter]

three fiddy zed.

Where's the pole?

 

[Raduque]

Yea, needs a poll.

I'd recommend the 350z. You don't have to run ultra-high revs to get any acceleration out of it, the V6 is going to be smoother than the I4, and you're going to have much more room both inside and in the storage area. Oh, and the suspension is going to dampen the road better in the Z.

 

[Koing]

What DO YOU WANT?

The S2000 will be more driver focused but it's a lot more barebones...need to keep it at least on 5k...
The 350Z more power lower down, fast on most tracks, not that it mattters to non driving gods...more luxory, more gadgets, more roomy, you have a ridiculous anti roll bar which kills most of your luggae space in the boot!

I have an S2000, love it. Been on a track in a 350Z a bunch of times. They are fast, nice V6, SWEET Brembo brakes!

Both are fun mate.

Koing

 

[ajskydiver]

Based on your smiles and A/C criteria, the S2000 would definitely fit the bill.

I test drove both and ended up buying a 2003 S2000 in early 2005. Still driving it today.

The 350Z felt very heavy but has a great engine, not so great transmission/clutch (especially compared to the S2000), and far more common.

The S2000 is the closest you can get to a sportbike with 4 wheels. The powerband doesn't even start until 6000 RPM (in 2000-2003) but goes all the way to 9000 RPM - which is what I love but can understand why many don't prefer it.

You can drive it like a civic, and it'll perform like one, by shifting below 5000 RPM or take it to redline for a whole different experience. However, it is a design a decade old - so even around 240 HP, great for a NA 4 cyl., it's under powered/torqued by today's standards.

It's a very focused car with few amenities and a fairly harsh ride. In mostly city driving I average 25-26 MPG but it can be less if you drive more spiritedly.

It is by far the easiest car I've ever worked on. Oil, transmission, differential fluids are all super easy to do yourself. Brake pads are inexpensive and easy to change. It's a great car to maintain and I haven't had a single mechanical issue with it.

FYI, insurance on both is high, probably higher in the Honda -- check it out before you buy either.

I'd be happy to answer any specific questions you may have. I've been driving it for more then 5 years, so I'm familiar with all the pros and cons.

 

[Arkaign]

If he's not turning it into a track car the luxuries that come with the G35 coupe are well worth the weight. Even just the feel. Now how much more $$$$ are we talking about?

2004 G35 Coupe 6MT weight = 3435lbs
2004 350Z 6MT weight = 3188lbs

so .. 247lbs difference. Not 300-500. The 'track model' and 'grand touring' 350Z of those years actually weighs more than the base 6MT, it's listed at 3225lbs. All of the performance metrics like 0-60, braking, slalom, lateral grip are very close between the 350Z and G35 Coupe. I think it was because of this reason that for the 370Z and G37 Coupe, they spaced them out a lot more. Maybe that's where the 300-500lbs range came from, which is certainly true today. The Z lost weight (yay), while the G37 gained weight and became more luxury rather than lux/sport.

All of the convertible 350Z's are over 3500lbs, which puts them heavier than the G35 coupe immediately.

Anyhow, used $ for $, you're about as likely to find an '04 or '05 Z or G35 Coupe around the same price, at least here in Dallas where they are both every 3rd car on the road. For my personal $, I'd get the G35 Coupe, as you can do all the same performance mods if you want, but it's a more comfortable, nicer looking (imho), nicer riding, slightly more civil/quiet vehicle that performs within inches of the Z.

 

[AMCRambler]

The other thing people keep forgetting to mention is that the G35 coupe has a back seat. The Z is a two seater. Makes the G35 a little more practical. But if it's a two seater you're interested in, then I'd vote the Z. The 2000 is way too small. If you're a bigger guy, say 6' and up that car is going to feel cramped.

 

[alfa147x]

The other thing people keep forgetting to mention is that the G35 coupe has a back seat. The Z is a two seater. Makes the G35 a little more practical. But if it's a two seater you're interested in, then I'd vote the Z. The 2000 is way too small. If you're a bigger guy, say 6' and up that car is going to feel cramped.

Wow totally forgot about that

 

[allthatisman]

I have a 2002 S2000, my best friend has a 2004 350z... on paper the cars perform almost identically, on the street though... totally different story. I love my S2000, and I also like the 350z. I don't think the Z is any more practical than the S2000, I do think that the covertable option definitely adds a +1 to the S2k. I have the optional hardtop, which adds a lot of rigidity and some additional headroom. The visibility is also greatly improved. The two things that I like more about the Z is easier rev range to drive in traffic and leasure driving, and slightly softer ride. I think either car is not really something you want to commute long distances in, but if you had to, I would lean slightly to the Z.

BTW rule #1:

Either way, you have to drive them both and see what you like. If you get a Z, try to get a track model. Good Luck!

 

[alfa147x]

I have a 2002 S2000, my best friend has a 2004 350z... on paper the cars perform almost identically, on the street though... totally different story. I love my S2000, and I also like the 350z. I don't think the Z is any more practical than the S2000, I do think that the covertable option definitely adds a +1 to the S2k. I have the optional hardtop, which adds a lot of rigidity and some additional headroom. The visibility is also greatly improved. The two things that I like more about the Z is easier rev range to drive in traffic and leasure driving, and slightly softer ride. I think either car is not really something you want to commute long distances in, but if you had to, I would lean slightly to the Z.

BTW rule #1:

Either way, you have to drive them both and see what you like. If you get a Z, try to get a track model. Good Luck!

The hard tops look damn nice! Didn't know you could swap one on

 

[CVSiN]

I love S2K's, and I'm not fond of 350Z really. Considered G35 Coupe? Approximately same weight, same motor, same bolt-ons for the most part. Looks better and the seats are more comfortable. Better stock audio as well. S2K is great, but I'm not sure I'd recommend one for DD duty.

2nded.. love my G35 6MT Coupe.
smokes S2000s all day long and runs right with 350 and 370Zs

 

[PricklyPete]

Since you'll be in Texas, I'd say the Z. If you lived somewhere that had interesting roads and wasn't scorchingly hot...I'd say s2000.

 

[allthatisman]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0403_compact_sport_coupe_comparison/photo_08.html

 

[Arkaign]

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0403_compact_sport_coupe_comparison/photo_08.html

Yep, the G35 6MT has always been right there with the 350Z, its the weaker auto versions of each that might confuse people.

Edmunds testing -

http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/g35/2007/full-test-2007-infiniti-g35-sport.html

http://www.insideline.com/nissan/350z/2003/full-test-2003-nissan-350z.html

In those tests, the G35 Sedan (!!!) actually tied the 350Z to 60, and beat it to the 1/4 mile by a bit, both 6MT versions. This is a tiny bit skewed though, the 05 G35 Coupe has about 10 less hp with the 6MT than the 07 6MT.

And as can be clearly seen here in this test of a 2003 Coupe with the 5AT, the lower 260hp power punishes things severely, dropping 0-60 to 6.2 seconds! The 280hp models are still limited, though a little bit less. The 298p 05+ and 306hp 07+ are where its at, unless you flash em.

http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/g35/2003/full-test-2003-infiniti-g35-sport-coupe.html

But yeah, any of the roughly 300hp 6-speed manual versions of the 350Z or G35 Coupe will perform nearly identical in every way. Perhaps the Nismo tuned 350Z will have an edge in braking and handling, but I dunno, those things are $$$$ and I also know that any of the VQ35s can be flashed to around 330 crank hp on 93 tune when matched with a quality intake/exhaust, for a total cost of $1500 or less.

 

[TwinsenTacquito]

An S2000 will only be fun if the roads you are driving on look like a slinky and you don't mind keeping the revs wound up.

A 350z can do a little of it all. Handles nicely, has pep, and might even catch the eye of a female or two.

And who knows, maybe a few years down the line you can sink an LS2 into it.

:wub::wub::wub:

 

[ballmode]

I'm torn...

I can find better deals on the S2000, but I can't find the perfect Z. I might just settle on the S2000 based on the nimbleness, cheaper parts, and way easier to fix.

Insurance for me is 10 dollar difference, but the Z eats bigger tires which cost more. Gas millage is about the same highway imo. I think I'm gonna lean towards the S and then get a daily driver.

 

[zerocool84]

Z if you daily drive. S2K for weekend car. Too small imo to daily drive and ride is harsher.

 

[SandEagle]

buy honda

 

[thomsbrain]

I've lived with both. If you live in Texas and have mostly straight roads or need to drive long distances a lot, I'll recommend the Z, with misgivings.

The S2000 is a far more special car. It will walk away away from the Z on a twisty road. It's better built and the interior is of significantly higher quality and craftsmanship. It's more engaging and fun to drive. Its drivetrain is far more refined and also more rewarding when you're on the boil. It's easier to work on. Its seats and driving position are more comfortable.

But the Z is quieter when cruising, has climate control, and rides smoother. It has a stereo that isn't useless. It can carry slightly more cargo (only slightly, since it has the worst cargo design of all time). If I had to choose one to drive 500 miles of interstate, I'd go with the Z. But then, you'd be a lot happier in a Camry for that...

 

[Throckmorton]

I'm torn...

I can find better deals on the S2000, but I can't find the perfect Z. I might just settle on the S2000 based on the nimbleness, cheaper parts, and way easier to fix.

Insurance for me is 10 dollar difference, but the Z eats bigger tires which cost more. Gas millage is about the same highway imo. I think I'm gonna lean towards the S and then get a daily driver.

Don't get an S2k and a separate daily driver. That will make insurance cost much much higher, and you'll waste having a sports car in the first place.

 

[CraigRT]

VQ35DE and 6MT is all it takes for the 350Z to win for me.

I do love how they look when properly equipped too though.

 

[ballmode]

That trunk in the 350z is poopy. The 370z makes the 350 drive and look like crap.

Too bad there wasn't an S2000 successor

As of right now the first deal from 12-14k that tickles my fancy and is manual is the car I'll get. As for having two cars, my winters won't allow a nice ride for these cars come that season. I'll have to get FWD or AWD

 

[Hyperlite]

That trunk in the 350z is poopy. The 370z makes the 350 drive and look like crap.

Too bad there wasn't an S2000 successor

As of right now the first deal from 12-14k that tickles my fancy and is manual is the car I'll get. As for having two cars, my winters won't allow a nice ride for these cars come that season. I'll have to get FWD or AWD

Lots of nice WRX's and Legacy GT's can be had for 14K!

just sayin