I don't think you get a true feeling for quality just peering at a car, or driving it once or twice, fwiw.
And I'm not even gonna bother throwing 350s in the comparison, as I think everyone here knows about their interior quality.

Trust me.. you get ALOT of compliments. Everywhere you go.. lmao.
I remember going to an event at the city park for 4th of july and I was stuck in traffic trying to get out of the park. Every time somebody would pass by. "damn look at that car"
"what is that"
"wow nice car"
about 20 people :)
3 actually went beside me and talked to me about it.

Really fun to drive...great handling, great styling, above average interior quality and ergonomic design (blind spots notwithstanding). These positives are offset by a below average gearbox and an engine that runs way too hot, even in the absence of spirited driving. One should not have to constantly work so hard for smooth shifts between 1st and 2nd gear.
I am about 50/50 on whether I would have bought this car knowing what I do now as an owner. I would probably lean towards the 5.0 Mustang if afforded the opportunity to do it all over again. Don't get me wrong...I like the Z, but hindsight is 20/20!

The standard 370Z suspension allows for too much body roll IMO; the Z, while good, was still not as sharp as the I was accustomed to. As also mention in another post, the Z does not have a 50/50 weight distribution. When I put my coilovers on, the Z handeled much sharper and eliminated some of the floatlike sensations I experienced. The coilovers also allowed me to corner better due to the reduction of body roll. I feel sway bars will finish out the Z's needs in a performance catagory.

While it still will not handle like the RX8, it will be much better than stock. And I agree that the Z requires more skill to drive fast. It does not require a high amount of skill like a Vette, but it is not as easy to drive at its limit like the RX8. To illustrate, there is a very nice S turn in Phoenix/Laveen near the mountains. The speed limit is about 35 in that section. I could take that at 80 with my MS spec'd RX8. With my Z stock, I could only manage 60. With my current setup, I can manage 70'ish. I am sure I will be able to improve upon that with Sways and as I learn to drive my Z more so.

As it seems you have used the search button (well done as some do not), I am sure you came across the threads of reccomended suspension mods (coilovers, sways, tires). Those mods really do evolve the car to a true performer. That said, while the RX8 is still a better handling car IMO (I chose the RX8 over the 350Z), the 370Z is still a much better overall car.

Not sure if that is what you were looking for. PM me if not...

Why I picked the Z
 

I compared the 370Z to the Mustang GT and the Challenger SRT8. I wanted an all-around functional vehicle that ran well, handled great, and had the torque that reminded me of my muscle car days (69 Charger RT, 68 RR RT, and 71 Cuda). Without going into too much detail, the Challenger and GT just did not have the "fit and finish" that I was looking for. Straight line, both were awesome but both failed (in my mind) in handling and quality. I tested the Z last and once i got in, I was in LUST. All radio and A/C controls were within reach of my right hand without moving it from the shifter, shifting was wonderfully natural, visibility was great except for the left side (fixed with bubble mirror), the seats actually hugged me, and the gauges were just perfect and where I could see them. The car is not the fastest on the road as has been mentioned but it drives like a dream, dares me to test its ability to hug the turns, and makes me feel good. Probably not a car for everyone but for me, it has reminded me how much fun driving can be and thus, the perfect car for me. On a side note, my research has indicated that it get stole less often... :-) Seems criminal prefer 4 seaters over 2 in some cases.

Nice comparison cames4. What color is your Z? I will look for you next time I am in Austin!

I guess it's true in stock form. my main problem is stability, specially in high speed hard braking. z seems wobbly and scary at high speeds. reached 155 mph kph in the evo with no problem. I've yet to reach 140 on the z cause it's scares the hell out of me. I don't think I can ever drive it as fast.... and I can't brake as hard.

Love the z still and I won't trade it for an evo:)

LOL, I can't drive faster than 80mph on Cali roads without getting apprehensive (other drivers, traffic, and cops). I will, however, test my acceleration a little starting a stoplights, and the occasional spirited turn on the off-ramp. Nothing too crazy. I'll save those when I get this beast on the auto-x course!

I agree the Z catches alot of attention. It's sexy as hell, fast as hell, and comfortable as hell for a sports car. I am very happy with my Z. Who gives a rat'z azz about any other cars. FTW and f'ck anyone that tells you otherwise.

Now only if the Z would quit catching the attention of the popos around here. :icon23:

Why I picked the Z
 

Thanks for the kind comment. The color is Platinum Graphite. Glad you noticed I showed that I was in Austin as I actually just moved to CA 3 weeks ago. Had the car moved on a truck to avoid the mileage (well, and the company paid for it). I will truly miss Austin but work was drying up in my field. Was a Dell guy and things are getting pretty sticky there so I bailed.

Yet a lot of people who own 350's refuse to upgrade because "the performance isn't worth it" when compared to the 370. So which is it? performance, or desire to own a luxury interior?

The Z is nothing if you don't compare it to something, so how can you say it's fast, etc without "caring about any other cars?"

Just wondering. Very closed.
At what speed did you feel the Z wobbled? I took one up to about 110-120 or so and it felt fine. Where does it begin to get scary?

You may want to get your alignment checked because I have been 130+ at the track with NO stability issues at all. Feels more stable then my dad's S600 even...

That speed is reached immediately before a big turn where you have to go down to about 60 mph, so there is some hard braking and it feels aokay for me...

I've had a 1990 300ZX TT for a while now and back in 2006, I decided I wanted a more modern car. So since I liked the 350Z and G35, I ended up getting the G. It was the 6MT as I would never get an Auto! Well, I was not too impressed with the G but it was nice and great for a daily commuter. Of course it was slower than my Z32--I found myself still wanting to drive my 300ZX all the time!! Well then I test drove the 370Z and decided to trade in the G for it, it was a huge improvement! And now, I hardly ever drive my 300ZX. I just love the 370Z! (Still have the 300 as I cannot get what I have put into it, and since it's a TT it's worth much more than Blue Book)

Thanks guys so much for the replies.. This is exactly what I was looking for.. I've been reading all along.. If you have more reviews keep em coming.

I'm still down to the wire on a C6 Z06, brand new 370 or brand new 5.0.. The 5.0 would be on top if it wasn't for the looks category.. I've been thinking of changing the wheels asap and body parts if I get the 5.0

So far its

1. 370z
2. 5.0
3. Z06~~ If the price was a little lower it would be on top.. But everyone seems to want $48000+ for a used one here.. Lower 40's would be nice lol

Interesting.... if I were considering your list it would be:

1. 370Z
2. Z06
3. Stang

The Stang is bad, but you have two cars that stand out. If you want 'muscle' and the stand out status, pay to play and get the Z06. If you want a good performer that stands out, and is cost effective, get the 370Z.

Amoung the group you have listed, the Stang would be the compromise IMO.