BMW 330CI or Nissan 350Z?

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psteng19

Diamond Member
Dec 9, 2000
5,953
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Originally posted by: bigd480
I have a 97 Maxima and a 94 300ZX TT

I would take the Z for ~$30k and spend the leftover on customizing to my personality (stereo, performance, suspension, whatever)

The BMW is not too diff from the Maxima - fun to drive for a sedan, but still middle of the road in so many ways, whereas the Z is gorgeous and super fun to drive while still being relatively luxurious.

Bimmer will depreciate faster, cost more to repair and maintain, and is still just another sedan...

Yeah I know a lot of it is subjective but the Z has a proud heritage and Nissan went all out to make this a great car - whereas the 330 is just another euro-sedan that will sell no matter what due to the yuppy factor. (And yes I have driven BMW 3-series - good overall but nothing spectacular)

I'm pretty sure the 330 will have better resale than a Nissan, though it's the 350Z's first year and its resale is unknown.

I'd choose the Z :D

 
Aug 23, 2000
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350z all the way, Though he should go with the lower end version of it, and use the diff in money to get the Stillen(nismo) supercharger. Dyno shows that the supercharge gives the 350Z a 40% boost in hp. So that would put it at 407HP. The supercharger is $4K, and prob another $1K to get installed. but if he has the money to by a BMW, get performance over luxury.
 

z0mb13

Lifer
May 19, 2002
18,106
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Originally posted by: bigd480
I have a 97 Maxima and a 94 300ZX TT

I would take the Z for ~$30k and spend the leftover on customizing to my personality (stereo, performance, suspension, whatever)

The BMW is not too diff from the Maxima - fun to drive for a sedan, but still middle of the road in so many ways, whereas the Z is gorgeous and super fun to drive while still being relatively luxurious.

Bimmer will depreciate faster, cost more to repair and maintain, and is still just another sedan...

Yeah I know a lot of it is subjective but the Z has a proud heritage and Nissan went all out to make this a great car - whereas the 330 is just another euro-sedan that will sell no matter what due to the yuppy factor. (And yes I have driven BMW 3-series - good overall but nothing spectacular)

argh u r comparing a maxima with a 3 series?? have u actually driven in a 3 series?? it is MUCH better than any maxima....

the 3 series has a 4 year/80k miles (if I am not mistaken) warranty... anything breaks.. dealer will fix.. also it has FREE maintainance during that periodd (free oil change, major service, etc)

so actually the 3 series will cost $0 to maintain (in aspect of oil change and service) during the first 4 year... after that you can just sell it...

IMO 350z and 330ci are 2 diff animals... the Z is pure sport cars with just a hint of luxury (or close to none, the dashboard is just too plasticky), while the 3 series offers both performance and luxury

also storage space for the z is almost NON-existant!!! I dont think even my golf bag will fit in the trunk.

another thing to consider: think of a couple of years ahead, when the hype of the Z will be over (and also there will be loads of them on the road).. will you still love this car? the 3 series is already a 4 year old model, but it is still sought for.... and the design is timeless and beautiful


 

mAdD INDIAN

Diamond Member
Oct 11, 1999
7,804
1
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Originally posted by: z0mb13
Originally posted by: bigd480
I have a 97 Maxima and a 94 300ZX TT

I would take the Z for ~$30k and spend the leftover on customizing to my personality (stereo, performance, suspension, whatever)

The BMW is not too diff from the Maxima - fun to drive for a sedan, but still middle of the road in so many ways, whereas the Z is gorgeous and super fun to drive while still being relatively luxurious.

Bimmer will depreciate faster, cost more to repair and maintain, and is still just another sedan...

Yeah I know a lot of it is subjective but the Z has a proud heritage and Nissan went all out to make this a great car - whereas the 330 is just another euro-sedan that will sell no matter what due to the yuppy factor. (And yes I have driven BMW 3-series - good overall but nothing spectacular)

argh u r comparing a maxima with a 3 series?? have u actually driven in a 3 series?? it is MUCH better than any maxima....

the 3 series has a 4 year/80k miles (if I am not mistaken) warranty... anything breaks.. dealer will fix.. also it has FREE maintainance during that periodd (free oil change, major service, etc)

so actually the 3 series will cost $0 to maintain (in aspect of oil change and service) during the first 4 year... after that you can just sell it...

IMO 350z and 330ci are 2 diff animals... the Z is pure sport cars with just a hint of luxury (or close to none, the dashboard is just too plasticky), while the 3 series offers both performance and luxury

also storage space for the z is almost NON-existant!!! I dont think even my golf bag will fit in the trunk.

another thing to consider: think of a couple of years ahead, when the hype of the Z will be over (and also there will be loads of them on the road).. will you still love this car? the 3 series is already a 4 year old model, but it is still sought for.... and the design is timeless and beautiful

Maxima was called a poor-man's BMW. There's good reason for that. But yeah 3-series outhandles a Maxima any day, but the Max has more room. Its a nice compromise of space, sporting, and luxury. Not the best at any, but great at all.

if it was my choice, Z over the 3-series. The 3-coupe is not a sports car, is a sports sedan. And its more expensive anyway so just go for a Z.

 

Siddhartha

Lifer
Oct 17, 1999
12,505
3
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Originally posted by: Shiva112
One of my friend is looking at getting a new car and willing to spend about $40k. Which one would you go for? Its a tough call for me.

Both are nice cars. I would chose the Nissan because it is more sporty than the BMW.
 

SCSIfreek

Diamond Member
Mar 3, 2000
3,216
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I believe you can not get a 330Ci for 40K out the door. Unless you stick with the base model and no options. a 330ci with no options is like riding a bicycle with no seat on. get the idea? Ouch!!!


It all boils down to your cravings and personality, a guy with no GF? Asian? hmmm....are you stereotyping? I'll get the 330ci with atleast the xeon lights, preminum package, and sports package. ;) but then you won't walk out of the dealers lot unless you load out $45K.


--scsi
 

NewSc2

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2002
3,325
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I'd go with an M3 no doubt. The 2-seater thing just gets me sometimes, and the whole sports car feel as a primary car just doesn't feel right.

(sports car feel in terms of comfortable ride, cargo space, personal space, etc.)
 

Babbles

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2001
8,253
14
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I was messing around on BMW USA's website, and I built a 330Ci for $41,470. That was for premium and sport package, with heated seats, Xenon lights.

So, that is still lacking some options, but basically loaded for under $42k. So, pretty sure you could walk out the lot paying less for a used model or around $40k not including financing.
 

mchammer187

Diamond Member
Nov 26, 2000
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330CI no doubt better looking and that thing just luvs curves i also dont like 2 seaters

if he is willing to pony up more money go M3

if those arent an issue go with the Z

 

Mani

Diamond Member
Aug 9, 2001
4,808
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Originally posted by: Babbles
BMW beats most cars hands down when it comes to handling. That 350Z may have more HP, but unless you drive in straight lines, a quarter mile at a time, the BMW will be a better ride.

I think the BMW has a classier look, sure the 350Z looks good, but it just looks like a sports compact car. The BMW looks like a sports sedan, and at least for me I want that more refined sedan look.

The Z should smoke the BMW in twisties. But the BMW would win on ride qualiy. Depends on what his preferences are in mix of ride quality and handling/performance.

Personally, I was considering a BMW but they are all-too-common in Austin and often driven by poseurs who want to impress people with the fact that they drive a Bimmer.
 

bozack

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2000
7,913
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Personally, I was considering a BMW but they are all-too-common in Austin and often driven by poseurs who want to impress people with the fact that they drive a Bimmer.

I never understand this attitude that people have..where they will buy something simply because it isn't "popular"...is this just some peoples way of expressing their "individuality"? personally I could care less who has something that I decide I want as long as I like it.
 

Mani

Diamond Member
Aug 9, 2001
4,808
1
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Originally posted by: bozack
Personally, I was considering a BMW but they are all-too-common in Austin and often driven by poseurs who want to impress people with the fact that they drive a Bimmer.

I never understand this attitude that people have..where they will buy something simply because it isn't "popular"...is this just some peoples way of expressing their "individuality"? personally I could care less who has something that I decide I want as long as I like it.

Nah, I don't need a car to assert my individuality. The main reason I chose against the BMW was that it didn't excite me like my car does. But not being grouped in with the countless BMW yuppies around here definitely helped my decision.
 

SCSIfreek

Diamond Member
Mar 3, 2000
3,216
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Originally posted by: Babbles
I was messing around on BMW USA's website, and I built a 330Ci for $41,470. That was for premium and sport package, with heated seats, Xenon lights.

So, that is still lacking some options, but basically loaded for under $42k. So, pretty sure you could walk out the lot paying less for a used model or around $40k not including financing.

Please note:

Shiva112

One of my friend is looking at getting a new car and willing to spend about $40k. Which one would you go for? Its a tough call for me.

Also do keep in mind that you'll have to pay tax and license fee which is roughly around 10% of the car's total price. There is a huge difference in price between a used vehicle and a new one. :) and his friend aint getting a used car I assume.


--Scsi

 

bozack

Diamond Member
Jan 14, 2000
7,913
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Nah, I don't need a car to assert my individuality. The main reason I chose against the BMW was that it didn't excite me like my car does. But not being grouped in with the countless BMW yuppies around here definitely helped my decision.

Sorry Mani, didn't mean to point at you specifically, just that I often read on the internet in many different circles how people seem to avoid bigger brands for the sole reason that they are popular and said people would rather have something that is rather unheard of or not nearly as popular...personally I cannot see the logic in buying based on popularity rather I buy what I like whether it is popular or not, however generally I tend to like popular things....

Personally I still assert that these are two very different cars and buyers of one or the other are going to be very different.

one is a sports car while the other is a sports sedan...not really a fair comparison if you ask me, and neither company is going after the same demographic.

However....if I wanted a sports car, chances are I wouldn;t consider the Z as there are others which would take priority, but if I wanted a sports sedan I would give the BMW alot of thought.....
 

GTaudiophile

Lifer
Oct 24, 2000
29,767
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Two different animals really. One is classy, the other almost screams ricer!

Having only compared the 330Ci against the Infiniti G35, the BMW still handles better, smoother, etc.
 

WarSong

Golden Member
Jan 16, 2002
1,147
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330CI. I love that car :) If you asked me a month ago I woulda said the Z, but it's already starting to get played out...
 
Feb 10, 2000
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The BMW would be my choice - I love the 350Z but it is a bit too much of a boy-racer-mobile for me. The BMW is still quick and fast, and handles and rides wonderfully.
 

WinkOsmosis

Banned
Sep 18, 2002
13,990
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Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Two different animals really. One is classy, the other almost screams ricer!

Having only compared the 330Ci against the Infiniti G35, the BMW still handles better, smoother, etc.

350z screams "I like fast cars and I don't give a damn what my stockholders think. Those idiots should just be happy my dot com is a forum where thousands of people post about irrelevant crap and politics."
 

KokomoGST

Diamond Member
Nov 13, 2001
3,758
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I mean, if you're entering 45 grand territory, that's territory for a 2002 C5 or 2001 ZO6... heheh ;)

The E46 M3 is completely out of the price range... and it'd be obliterated by the Aniversary Editon Vette anywho in performance and price.