300ZX competitors?

[OTOAFOF]

What car(s) can compete with the 300ZX. I have a friend who own a 300ZX so I'm somewhat on the fence about getting one myself since I value individuality (I know...lame), so I was wondering what could compete with it in terms of performance, looks, and price. Would appreciate any names thrown out, as long as they're in the 1995 - beyond range.

TIA.

[NewbieWonKenobe]

OOh OOH I wanna hear some answers to this question too. I mean, who else makes a factory twin turbo??

[NolimitZ32]

Well the 4 Japanese automakers made cars that directly competed with each other so The 300ZX, Supra, 3000GT, and RX7 would all be in this group. If going for NA you will always end up paying much more for the RX7 and Supra as they are more sought after bodies. The 3000GT would be the black sheep because in NA trim it was FWD and HEAVY! Other than that if you are looking at the same class of cars on the american market you wont find much as the V6 pony cars of the day were weak and useless. Stepping up to the Turbo variants of all of the Japanese brethren you will find that again the RX7 and Supra are going to run much more than a decent 300ZX or 3000GT however the 3000GT being AWD and much less common you may find that the Z32 in this instance would be about the cheapest.

[hangout]

handling: BMW E46/E92 coupe or 986 Boxster. but those are not able to catch up the Z speed.
similar price range.
over all, 300ZX TT still the best deal on the market.

[NolimitZ32]

^eh. I wouldn't say it the best deal. It all depends on what you are looking for. Staying within the boundaries of a decent shape Z32 TT ($12k) there is a lot on the market that will match it's handling and speed, hell a stock 350Z HR will spank that a** 0-60 and in the 1/4 as well as out-handle the Z32 in the twisties. If you are looking for raw best performance buy a kit car. People own the Z32 because they love the Z32, I've dumped more thanreasonable amounts of money into mine through the years, not to compete with anyone in particular but to build MY car. Also (and I know the entire motoring community will disagree with me) IMHO the E46 M3 was a joke. I've driven quite a few of them and for the price and the headaches its just not worth it, they are beautiful, well made, great cars but the drift tax on them is ridiculous and the maintenance is insane. If you want a bad a** bimmer buy a E39 540. . . trust me

[hangout]

yes, I owned a E46 M3 before, very good handling, but lot of money need to put into it.
I owned a E60 after the M3, I would say almost the best handling sedan for the money.
no chance to drive a 540, but I know it's a collectible toy as good as the Z32.