OP here, I really wish I would have been able to get some responses to my question!
I reallyappreciate all your responses. Some great input. I'm leaning toward the Z, primarily because of the affordability. I've always been a big BMW fan, but they're hit or miss on reliability. Too busy right now to put up with a finicky car.
I do think the Z is a great looking car and I've been impressed with the test drives I've gone on. It seems for the most part everyone has been happy, which is great to hear. I think my Maxima and I were just not a good match, I've always owned sports cars and it just came up way short of my expectations. My fault though, I should have never expected much from a FWD car.
Thank you all again for your great responses.