What's your 2nd choice after a Z, and how does it compare?
 

So, as Z enthusiast we can all agree we love our Z. If there's another vehicle which you'd like to have (similar price or similar class) what is it and why? Mine is Subaru WRX:

Reason?
- AWD for Winter Driving
- Has backseats
- Performance for a Sedan
- Reliable

Performance wise I"m not sure which car has it, while the 370z you feel the power and torque from the beginning of pressing the gas pedal, the WRX is no slouch either. However, I still enjoy the 370z more and the feeling is just like the 1st day I got it. Yes, I look back when I park the car!

Porsche Cayman GT4

I took a break from my 13 Z roadster with 2 Infinitis and an S5 in between...just bought a lightly used 15 coupe...but my daily driver is a 2016 Audi S6. No words.

I will love them both...differently for their very different personalities. Just like my dogs. LOL

When I bought the Z, it won out over a CTS-V coupe, or a used 996tt. If I had to replace it now, it would be a Gran Sport C7 or a used 997tt. Maybe an ATS-V coupe.

I originally went to get an Altima. We needed a second vehicle and already have a '15 Pathfinder, so I went to get something practical. But when I found out that they gave up making the coupe, I lost interest, because I did want something a little bit sporty. I had always assumed the 370z was way too expensive, but when I found out that the base model was only about 2 grand more than the Altima "sport", I got very interested. Only thing that almost stopped me from pulling the trigger was the lack of a back seat. So, I looked at three other sport coupes in the same price range. The Ecoboost Mustang was comparably priced, but down on power and heavier. Plus it's hard to buy a mustang and not opt for the GT, which was about 20 grand more. The Genesis, while better equipped, didn't do it for me, I suppose the styling didn't really appeal to me. Only other one I briefly considered was the BRZ, but the serious power deficit ruled that out pretty quickly.

If I had to replace it now I'd probably get the Mustang GT or the Audi S5 coupe. Unless I win the lotto and have GT-R money.

The Z is pretty unique in its class and price range. I did consider a used Lotus Elise but I just could not get passed the rattles and complete lack of any creature comforts whatsoever. Great track-only car but that's about it. Next came a used Cayman S. Since I'm a DIYer that believes all cars should have easy engine access, it got ruled out. So, that was about it. The Z was a better car all around and I could get a new Nismo model for the price of used Elises and Caymans.
I did also consider a used Z06 Vette, but just did not find a reasonably priced example with low mileage.

PS: I don't like convertibles in case you're wondering.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

g37x

I had some similar ideas to Cyber370.

I had a 350z and sold it when I moved to NYC for a few years... that move was always going to be temporary so I had a lot of time to think about what I wanted when I moved back to FL..

1) 370z - because I loved my 350 and the 370 to me, was just a 350 that was all around improved.

2) Lotus Elise - I've always wanted one but like Cyber, thought it was a little too racecar for a DD and probably too expensive to repair.

3) C6 corvette - were getting pretty reasonable used prices, but they are almost as common as civics around here and I like to be a little different

4) FRS/BRZ - I really love this car, but at the time I thought (like many people) that everyone and their mom would end up with one so it went the same way as the used C6.

In the end, I missed my 350z too much and really fell in love with the idea of having a 500whp twin turbo 370z when the GTM Group Buy was still looking like a thing.. so I made my choice and put down a deposit on that group buy almost a full year before I even bought my 370z. Turns out I was probably one of the few people who actually got their kit from that debacle, so everything worked out =) I absolutely LOVE my car and never plan to get rid of it if I am able.

The Z stood alone. Other vehicles we considered were in a totally different class (sedan or SUV). Anything that even remotely compared to the Z was out of our price range at the time.

When I was getting the z it was between s2000 / twins / this. I ruled out twins cause I wanted a coupe. I ruled out the s2000 cause I'm not paying 25k for a car with over 50k on it and it's 10 years old lol

i considered two other cars when i bought my Z
porsche 911 turbo (realized maintenance was beyond my budget).
c6 z06 vette (didn't want something american at the time).

if i were to think about a replacement now. i would probably seriously consider the vette, maybe even a c7 z06 if the car gods favored my budget.

Yea, I've always liked 911 T's. Probably the reason why I liked the Z's. Similar body style/structure in a way when looking at it from the side.

Would love to be able and drive these cars like the commercial, looks fun:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNmc3KTsDTg

Porsche Cayman S- Would have gone this route but im in college and the prices are alittle out of my range and the maintenance I wouldnt be able to afford if something big went wrong. Great car though its a true step up from my old car(s2000).

Z4 M Coupe- Same thing with the Cayman S I was scared of the maintenance. Pretty similar performance with the 370Z but I like the straight 6 better than the V6.

M2- This is a car I can see myself stepping into after the Z in a few years. It just ticks alot of boxes for me and I can see myself being able to pay for the maintenance in a few years.

S2000- I do think alot about owning one again it really is a great car, but I would like to have a fun daily to go along with it.

Too many...

Mustang, M2, 718, 4C, GT86... even the ND Miata or 124 Abarth.
But the best alternative would be the Q60, because they are so beautiful and still so rare.
Here you see many Mustangs, plenty of BMWs, even more Porsches and quite a hand full of 4Cs and 86/BRZs.

I went a different route all together. With a change in jobs I stopped driving my Z on a daily basis, and ended up trading in for a Honda VFR800f. With limited time to use my Z and a bike I decided that 2>4 for me right now. Who knows maybe I'll come back to a Z in the future.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

when I was buying the Z, I was fighting and scratching my head between these two...

The Maxima for everything the Z can't offer with ease: more seats, space, leather, winter, roads. Right now I'm not going to go to the mountain with my Z to go ski and have to do rental.

or the Q60 Sport AWD (a Z alternative more convenient for every day driving)

Used 93-97 TT Supra was my second choice, like the 370Z fun, fast and not many around. TBH I still may pull the trigger one day if I can find one when I am ready. Other than that...there are no options in the comparable price range for me...here in retirementville Florida, Porsches, Vettes, etc etc are a dime a dozen. For me it's the uniqueness of the 370Z that sets it apart from everything above and below it's class...the Z stands alone in its own class, and that is why it is the first choice.

yeah, I guess it must be nice to be able to drive your Z all year round. I only drive in the winter if it's a sunny day with no snow, rain, etc. So, due to the winter that's where the WRX comes in. I previously had an IS300 which I liked a lot but since it was also a RWD I had to get rid of one, the Z or the IS. You know which you stayed home.

When I was out shopping I tested the 370Z first, and loved it - but I'm not one to just leap, so I shopped everything for a few months...

The responsible adult in me was angling for an Alfa Romeo Giulia QF, but they can't seem to actually get them into the US for some reason... That and the MSRP of $72k is a bit steep for what is basically an Italian M4.

So I relented and let the boy racer in me test out the recent crop of American sportscars; the Camaro and I didn't click at all, the 'Hellcat' was fast and handled better than one would think for being the size of an aircraft carrier, but it's the size of an aircraft carrier. And lastly I drove the Mustang GT350R...

The Mustang is Ford's best effort yet - helluva car - and I was actually at the dealership to buy the one I test-drove when they told me I couldn't buy it...

Apparently Ford has recalled all of the '16 and current '17 runs for a faulty oil cooler and issued a freeze on all sales until they get it sorted... With no real indication on when they'll get it sorted.

So I went with what I was originally wanting, the 370Z... But the GT350R is soooooo good. :)

For me it was between the Z & a vette roadster, the vette was 1/3 again the price, not worth it. Glad I went with the Z.

Luv my Z, but I'll be getting a new M2 in May. I test drove one several months back and found it to be very good drivers car. Much better then the M235i I tried before it.

4 seats would be helpful now, with aging parents and future grand kids not too far away. I'll keep both for a while, but the sensible side in me, will probably have to let the Z go.

Before I got my Z I was considering a G37s and I def like the Z better. When I did my first test drive on my Z I fell in love with the car. My car I had prior to this was a G35

Also being a Chevy Guy; would have to be a Gen VI Camaro (though lots and lots of Camaro's out there).

Was not even considering buying a Z as I hated Nissan.

Looking for a Z4 M used when I chance upon this 2011 Bnew Z rotting in the lot in 2012 with 8k discount from sticker.

Test drove it. The next day we got married and f**k her home 200miles

When I purchased my Z it beat out....

BMW135is

Mitsubishi Evo

Camaro SS

Hyundai Genesis coupe 3.8

Ford Mustang GT.

I traded a 2009 infiniti G37s for it.

Would consider 2 fairly practical cars:

1) The '17 or ('18 ?) Honda Civic SI hatch
2) The later year ('09 and up) Acura TL with AWD and available 6-spd MT w/ tech pkg

i think the new civic SI will either be a huge hit or a deep miss, we have to wait and see but the new turbo motor better deliver.

2015 Mustang GT considered...other than that the Cayman S, which is about the only car I'd trade the Z in for. Will just have to see if the new Z becomes a reality and what it will be like. Am interested about the new Celica-Supra though.:rofl2:

I had my number 1 already in my SRT8, I've always liked Vettes and was close to trading my Z for a C7, but honestly wasn't impressed enough to take the bullshiit offer. My next car will be a Lexus RC-F and I'm not sure I'll trade the Z for it, it could possibly just be another addition.

I was only in the market for a used Z, so my selection wasn't as grand as other posters:

Camaro SS — too common (albeit maybe they're mostly R/S models), the recent revisions would make me feel like crap about buying an older model.

Challenger — over time it was SRT or bust. Incentive was that my dad likes the car and might've chipped in, but at the same time I'm not for "sharing" a car

Cayman — S in the budget wasn't happening. Didn't want to find myself buying a Cayman for the sake of having a Porsche. I assume many Boxter owners are like that. Didn't want to take on the presumed expenses for a car I "settled" with. IMS-era models were the only ones in my budget too.

New Miata — Possible lead time and how it was on the upper side of my budget (not to mention the RF model I lusted being way out there) cut it off. Knew I would've also wanted to do something about the power sooner than later.

New(-ish) BRZ — this was very possible. It surely would've been "settling" in my mind, but if I couldn't find a preferred car at the right price this would've been it. It was a last option because I felt I could get so much more (used) car for the money.

Not really fair to judge this in hindsight, but in my particular situation the Z was just miles ahead in being a deal. Package and condition for the money were so hard to beat.

17 wrx sti, its a beauty, not as fast up top but in the twisties its no competition.
(stock for stock) love the fact that with a few k i can make over 50-70 awhp and 60-80 more awtq. I loved my Z and hoping i can jump on a used one in a few.

It was between a used Z or a new Wrx;

ended up getting a mint touring sport for a good deal, gona drive it a few years and see if subaru will throw a new engine in the Sti.

Subbie is always a nice choice. I had an 04 WRX and now 11. They are fun and dependable. As for performance, you don't think a stock STI is as fast as a 370z? Either way I love both cars!

After a 2006 350z, a 2009 370z, a 2013 370z and a 3014 370z sports package, I traded to a Mazda Miata MX5 Grand Touring.

While I miss the power, the comfort and such, I hate to say this but there is absolutely no car that is as much fun to drive as the new Miata. At under 65 mph, the 370z or the Corvette is actually quite boring. The Miata is much more fun.

I had taken to driving the 370Z at high speeds on highways, to zip in and out of traffic, to do whatever I could to feel its greatness. The Miata feels fast at lower speeds and the handling and turning is amazing. You enjoy it so much more on city streets and everyday driving.

Porsche GT3 RS 4.0
Just a smidge out of my price range. Raw, noisy and fast.

I've been a real Nissan Fan Forever, owned 3 Generations of Frontier (well 2 and a Hardbody) Spent a lot of time with my friends and all their fast cars, When i Decided to buy a car I looked at lot, but with an underlying Nissan bias. Considered a BMW and a used Audi S5, almost pulled the trigger on a New 16 STI. Then I test drove a 370, I didn't like the styling for years, but I was a huge fan of the 350. That got me hooked on the VQ, but I was kinda set on AWD, and was looking for a G37x Coupe, but they are kinda rare and actually kind of expensive.
I was really considering a G37x but it was in reno and $28k (with 68k), but when I saw the 370 I bought for only $27k with 13k on it I was done...

tldr; G37x coupe or 16+ STI

it was between a S2K CR, new STI hatch at the time for me when i was shopping for my Z.

STI was fun, but my right knee kept hitting the steering column during heel toe so no go.

S2K was proven tech, but kinda dated by 2009.. and kinda slow for my area with mostly straight roads. did not look back after getting the Z.

if i was shopping for a 370Z today, i wouldnt know wat to compare it with.. but in the price range for high perf compact cars made in japan, i would definitely consider the current gen STI... or wait for the 18's as they come with a refresh and carplay and such. i have a 16' sitting next to my Z in my garage and it is excellent. :tup:

Hands down no comparison but I still love my Z thats why I kept it.

Attachment 119596

I learned to drive on a 71 240Z and I've wanted a Z since then. When I bought my Z, I drove everything from a Pontiac Solstice to the 2013 Civic. While there are not many Solstices on the road, the car is underpowered, IMO. :twocents:



Next car will probably be a Cayman S. There are way too many Camaros, Corvettes & Moostangs around here.....:ugh2: