Z06 vs. 370Z

Originally Posted by Zemurray

I think if you look at 1/4 mile times it should show any differences in the "3rd gear" argument. Beyond that you are way over a sane street speed anyway. The c5 is nearly identical in performance as you said. The standard c6 is only slightly faster in a 1/4 mile, close enough to make up with driving skill.

I've owned a half dozen chevy's, and I'm just completely over american cars. The Corvette used to be my dream car for a long time, but I got over it. Way over it. I think once you get used to the power of any car, what you are left with is what starts to really eat at you. If the fit and finish is terrible and it starts feeling like a piece of crap, you won't be happy with it even if it does 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.

I think it boils down to what you want more. A nice quality well built fun to drive car, or just all out power. If you want a muscle car, then the 370 will probably leave you wanting for more eventually. It's a tough spot to be in because I don't think you can get a car off the show room floor that's going to give you a **** ton of power and get quality at the same time for under 60,000. Sure, a GTR might get you there but from the sounds of it you are wanting more of a "touring" type package anyway, and I think a GTR or even a Vette isn't going to fit that bill.

Just reading your thread and your comments over the last few days it really sounds like you want a 370, but you are just skeptical if it will be fast enough for you. I say get it. If you find it's not fast enough for you, then you can easily sell it and get the latest and greatest 600+hp muscle car is out a year from now. Personally I don't think you will find any significant complaints about the 370. If you do, there probably isn't any car that you will be 100% satisfied with.

For me, Ive wanted a new Z car since the 350 debut in 2003. It wasn't practical for me at the time because I couldn't afford a 2nd car (i can't use it as a DD since I have two boys). Now I can afford it and I'm glad I waited because the 370 is a much nicer car than the 350. I could have bought a vette, or a mustang gt350, etc.. but besides preferring a japanese car I also took some satisfaction in that there aren't a million 370z's out there running around like there are vette's, camaro's, and mustangs. I like having something different. Add to that the fact that I have a 40th anniversary edition makes it even rarer. Heck, the guys at the local Nissan dealer had never even seen a 40th when I took it there to get it serviced last month.

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

My main concern was...is it as nice in 50K miles and a few years as it is on the showroom floor and test-drives? Does that nice interior and body hold up, and is the driveline known for having problems?

Originally Posted by Zemurray

Not sure on the 50k mile question. I would be inclined to say definitely, but as this is my first Nissan I'm not sure. I can tell you my wife had an exterra that had 75k miles on it and drove like new. And my experience with the other two big Japanese manufacturers would indicate it should be very solid. I've been completely happy with the quality of the other two cars.
Friend had an Xterra. Fell apart rather fast and she dumped it.
It seems it will be hard to quantify how well it will hold up in this crowd. With so many guys hacking them up, lowering them, throwing turbo's on them, and tracking them, it won't get a fair analysis for how well it holds up as an OEM sports car driven on the street by normal people. I haven't looked at your other thread, but I would think there should be a number of people who drive the cars stock or mostly stock that should have valid input.