amanofgreatevil

Hello Guys, I am back, been a long time now...

When I sold my 1977 Datsun 280z due to family issues, I stopped using this site... Now after all these months, I missed my 280z I looked looked into the newer Zs, I actually liked the looks of the 350z. I maybe getting a 2004 350z in copper color with 46 Thousand miles and has a stick. I wanted to know if these cars will last for a while, not break down. I have having a difficult time deciding which cars would be best, a 2006 Mustang all customized and filled with goodies and has a stick, or a 350z.

One of these cars will be my daily driver, and taking it to the track for some good times.. Which cars would you guys think will be best for reliable daily driving and racing.

I need a new car fast, my 1968 Thunderbird died on me, so I could not get anywhere anymore... Need something that moves fast as my bird and maybe as my old Z..

Thanks for any advices..

NismoPick

Welcome back!

#1: Reliability depends on the driver taking care of the car. The 350z isn't a Kia.

#2: I have a hard time comparing a 350z to a Mustang, especially because both come with many options. Are you looking at a V6 Crustang? V8? Cobra? Saleen?

Get where I'm goin with this?

amanofgreatevil

The Mustang I am looking at is a 2006 V8 GT, this car has alot of add-ons, it different than any stock gt mustang I see around on the lot. The stock GT had 300hp said the dealer, but the one I am looking at has 360hp. The Nissan has 300hp, and has few mods, like custom air filter and better fuel injectors, some times I don't think the dealer know what he talking about on the horses.

I like both cars, but having trouble deciding which is best, I know this is a Nissan site but I kinda want a honest opinion. The only thing I don't like about the mustang it way to over rated and you see them every where on the road, but hey they are nice. The 350z, was designed to be a track car by the Nissan engineers?

SportBikeMike

I've had my 350Z for six years and its been very reliable. The only problem I've had was the tire-feathering issue and this has been pretty much corrected by the Nismo suspension. Other than that, zero problems. Keep in mind, my car has been driven moderately (never been to a track) and I'm pretty obsessive about regular maintenance. Like Nismo said , regular maintenance is a factor as a far as the reliability of a car.

In comparing the Z with the Mustang, IMO they're two different types of cars. The Mustang is a pony/muscle car where the Z is a sportscar. If you're only concerned about straight line performance and the V-8 sound, get the Mustang. If you're more concerned about handling, get the Z. Having owned both cars, I would definitely give the Z the edge in overall quality too plus I prefer the styling.

amanofgreatevil

Well guys, thanks for all your help, however I got myself a 2006 Mustang GT. I could not look away from the V8... I promised myself to get a 280Z again, I don't think the 350z is the car for me.. But I do think the 280z is, going to have my search for one.

NismoPick

V8 eh? Do we still live in 1970?

Ah well... enjoy the stang-er, and next summer's $5/gal gas.

EDIT... I've got a 280z turbo coming up for sale soon.

DB_Monster

Go with an 04 350z its what i ahve and shes beast

350zgt3

350Z's kill the Mustang GT's for the same years.

1/4 Mile:
350Z 13.6-14.4
GT 14.5-15.3
Shelby GTH 14.5-15.3@92-96MPH

Track 1 Lap Time
370Z NISMO: 1:06
370Z: 1:06
350Z: 1:07
2010 GT: 1:10
2010 SS: 1:10

That's a 30 Minute victory for the Z in a 300 or 500 circuit lapping American muscle every 18th lap. The Z's engine will last a life time as long as you don't over charge it, 50% of the after market turbo installs have seen mechanical damage due to installation errors & driver (human) error. The Ford's will see more engine mechanical breakage while the Nissan will see more cosmetic breakage.

Engine Efficiency Engineering
350Z: 3.5L/287hp 82% B
350Z: 3.5L/300hp 86% B
350Z: 3.5L/ 306hp 93% A
370Z: 3.7/332hp 90% A
370Z NISMO: 3.7L/350hp 95% A

Mustang GT 4.6L/265hp 58% F
Mustang GT 4.6L/300hp 65% D
Mustang GT 4.6L/310hp 67% D

This is how we measure efficiency at NASA & in Aircraft engine rebuilds based on efficiency, the only difference is thousands of hp at the throttle & an earful of turbo aircraft noise, a-lot of yelling. Hope this changes your mind. The Z is the most aero true sports car in the world already tied with the other Nissan, the GTR. Direct competitors are Porsche & Lotus.

2004's are good cars and that is low very low miles.

Bleach

I like your engine efficiency comparison. Also consider that in 2007 the way that horsepower is measured changed. In 2007, the dual throttle body VQ35 put out about 25 more horsepower than the 2006's 300 but with the new regulations they had to advertise it at 306. The 370Z really is almost 50hp more powerful than the 2006 revup engine.

If you compared them all at the same level in hp output I think that in 2007+ the efficiency would actually be a slightly higher percentage.