Choosing between two generations of Nissan's iconic Z-car presents an intriguing dilemma for sports car enthusiasts. The 350Z, which established itself as a bona fide rival to high-end sports cars from BMW and Porsche, paved the way for its successor, the 370Z. Both cars share the classic front-engined, rear-wheel-drive formula with muscular V6 engines, but they represent different eras in automotive development.
The 350Z arrived as a refreshing return to affordable sports car fundamentals, whilst the 370Z continued this philosophy through an 11-year production run that saw the automotive world shift towards smaller, turbocharged engines and four-wheel drive.
Nissan 350Z vs Nissan 370Z
Practicality
Both the 350Z and 370Z are strictly two-seater sports cars, which immediately limits their appeal compared to models like the Audi TT that offer rear seats. However, this limitation is typical of the sports car class, and both Nissans make the most of their two-seat configuration. The 350Z coupe features a good-sized boot accessed via a wide-opening hatch, though a strut brace across the boot opening can make loading larger items more challenging. The car also benefits from an additional storage locker that provides extra practicality compared to some rivals.
The 370Z maintains a similar approach to practicality, offering a reasonably well-sized boot with hatchback access on the coupe model. This allows for easier loading of bulkier items compared to saloon-style openings. One advantage the 350Z and 370Z have over some premium rivals like the Porsche Boxster and Cayman is that all luggage storage is consolidated in one location, rather than being split between front and rear compartments.
Both cars offer roadster variants with predictably smaller boot space but the benefit of open-air driving.
Overall, then, there's little to separate these cars in terms of practicality, with both offering typical two-seat sports car accommodation.
Driving Impressions
The 350Z delivers an exceptionally rewarding driving experience, particularly in post-2007 models that gained additional power at the top of the rev range. The 3.5-litre V6 engine spins freely to its 7,500rpm redline, combining high-rev excitement with substantial low-down grunt. The chassis is brilliantly balanced, offering plenty of grip whilst allowing for predictable and controllable tail slides when desired. This versatility, combined with comfortable ride quality and good cruising manners, makes the 350Z an excellent all-rounder. The Roadster variant, whilst 150kg heavier due to additional bracing and the electric roof mechanism, remains exciting to drive and offers better access to the V6's magnificent exhaust note.
The 370Z takes a more muscular approach with its 324bhp 3.7-litre V6 engine, delivering substantial low-down grunt through a short-throw gearshift. The car provides excellent grip and precise steering, though the rear end feels slightly soft, leading to a somewhat ragged tail-happy character when pushed hard. Whilst engaging, it lacks the ultimate feel of rivals like Porsche.
Both cars are held back by constant tyre and engine noise, plus an overly firm ride quality that makes urban driving challenging. The standard 19-inch wheels on the 370Z GT model exacerbate these comfort issues, though even the base model's 18-inch rims don't fully resolve the ride quality concerns. But, hey, these are sports cars after all - shouldn't they have a raw edge? Give us a howling V6 any day of the week...
Technology and Equipment
The 350Z's interior reflects its positioning as an affordable sports car, featuring good-looking but ordinary-feeling materials that don't wear particularly well over time. However, standard equipment was generous for its era, including a six-disc CD changer (remember those?), climate control, xenon headlamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Most UK models were sold in higher-spec GT trim, which added heated, electrically adjustable leather seats, cruise control, and a Bose sound system with subwoofer. The 2006 facelift brought bi-xenon headlamps as standard across the range, whilst the rare GT4 Edition from 2005 featured an upgraded 300bhp engine and special alloy wheels, with only 176 examples imported to the UK.
The 370Z's old-school character extends to its technology offering, which lacks the electronic sophistication found in more modern rivals. Standard equipment includes climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and xenon headlamps, whilst the GT version adds heated leather seats, cruise control, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bose speakers. The interior design is somewhat anodyne, with plastic quality that doesn't quite match sports car rivals, though three gauges atop the dashboard add visual interest and the low-slung driving position feels appropriately sporty. One significant criticism is the crude traction control system, which lacks the nuanced power delivery of more sophisticated rivals.
As the newer car it's unsurprising to find that the 370Z takes this category, although neither car is state-of-the-art.
Running Costs
Both cars feature large, naturally aspirated engines that inevitably impact fuel economy. The 350Z returns approximately 20-25mpg on average, with later, more powerful versions likely to achieve figures towards the lower end of this range. Servicing intervals are relatively short at 9,000 miles, though for most drivers this translates to annual servicing anyway. Servicing costs are reasonable, with Nissan parts generally costing less than premium rivals, and plenty of knowledgeable Japanese car specialists available to provide cost-effective maintenance. The 350Z benefits from a metal timing chain that should last the car's lifetime, unlike many contemporary Audi TTs that require expensive timing belt changes every few years.
The 370Z's fuel consumption is similarly terrible, achieving around 25mpg in normal daily use, though this can drop significantly with enthusiastic driving. The more modern engine provides a slight improvement over the 350Z, but the difference isn't substantial. Like the 350Z, the 370Z features a metal timing chain rather than a rubber timing belt, avoiding the periodic replacement costs associated with belt-driven systems. The 370Z has a marginal advantage in running costs thanks to the possibility of slightly better fuel economy, but you should brace your wallet for a potentially pricey ownership experience either way.
Verdict
The choice between these two generations of Nissan's Z-car could be determined by whether you prefer the 350Z's more classic look and feel, or the 370Z's updated tech and gutsier performance. Or it might simply come down to which one you can find the best example of within your budget. Either way you'll be getting a really fun sports car that is unlike anything you can still buy on the new car market today. A pair of future classics? We certainly think so.