Hard decision moving on to a S2000 or 350z

[Dongoesby]

I'm coming from owning a prelude and a audi a4 quattro, and now finally moving to my dream layout car, FR. However, I'm having a big tissue on moving to a FR car now a car, because they are TWO SEATERS! Without able to lay down your seat to strectch out or throw stuff to the back seats, I really want to know how you guys get a long with it.

And back the topic, if any of you guys have expriences of both car, how would it feels the difference? I was told by numbers of ppl saying S2k has a lot of squeek or rattle noise either mainly comes from its conv top. As for 350z, it looks solid from outside, and I really like its design of hatchback, it looks nice and convience. However, I'm also affraid its V6 takes too much gas. If there is major difference please tell me. I've done some research and now i want some real experience feedback as for performance wise too. Hope to get some asnwers soon! Thanks.

Frank

[350zlcrj]

Hey,

I just want to share some info. I was in a same state like you. trying to decide between s2k and 350z. 350 z sold me over because im not into convertable (s2k) specially when i found out from other s2k forums that they replace the cover more often and its susceptible to noise.

As for the 350z, it takes about 19-25 mpg it depends if you have a lead foot. Other thank that i really like the car.

I just got my brand new 06 350z enthusiast last weekend for less than 27k. i love it!!!

Cris

[Bubba1]

I'm coming from owning a prelude and a audi a4 quattro, and now finally moving to my dream layout car, FR. However, I'm having a big tissue on moving to a FR car now a car, because they are TWO SEATERS! Without able to lay down your seat to strectch out or throw stuff to the back seats, I really want to know how you guys get a long with it.

And back the topic, if any of you guys have expriences of both car, how would it feels the difference? I was told by numbers of ppl saying S2k has a lot of squeek or rattle noise either mainly comes from its conv top. As for 350z, it looks solid from outside, and I really like its design of hatchback, it looks nice and convience. However, I'm also affraid its V6 takes too much gas. If there is major difference please tell me. I've done some research and now i want some real experience feedback as for performance wise too. Hope to get some asnwers soon! Thanks.

Frank

I've driven both, and you can see what I ended up buying. The two cars are great traditional RWD sports cars, but they have very different personalities. I'm not saying one is any better than the other, both are fun well made cars, so there's no wrong decision. It's really what you want from your RWD car.

The Z's engine is it's strength. Great torque, very smooth. It's a relatively heavy car, but it handles extremely well for its heft. Very easy car to drive fast and works well as a daily driver. They get good gas mileage for a V6, I consistently get mid 20's.

The downside? The luggage room is not great, (there's a big brace smack in the middle of the cargo area. Also the ride is a bit jarring with 18" wheels. (but that makes it better on the track )

the S2K strength is it's handling. Lighter and a little more precise feeling than the Z. The pedal placements and shifter are nearly perfect. (The Z is also quite good) The S2K's fit and finish is going to be slightly better than the Z, And average reported reliablity of the S2K has been better than the Z. (I've had no problems with mine)

Downside: The main weakness is the lack of torque. The car is thrilling when you get it up into it's power range, but rather mundane at a normal operating range, which means if you want sports car performance on the street, you gotta flog it to keep up and keep on flogging. Which makes it a fun track car, but I view it as more of an annoyance for daily commuting. The dashboard is also ugly, and the ride is about as jarring as the Z.

I felt the Z represented a better compromise car, close to a dual purpose car, delightful on the track, and less annoying as a commuter. Plus a few thousand cheaper. There are some very satisfied S2K owners at NICO.Can't bash S2K's, They're really nice cars.

As far as practicality, neither car make great road trip vehicles. I always use one of my other vehicles for long trips. But I drive the Z to the race track with all of my stuff, and it all fits, just have to be mindful how you pack, that's all.

I say enjoy test driving both cars and see which you prefer. A couple otherRWD sports cars to check out are the M3 and RX-8.

[Dongoesby]

Thanks 350zlcrj and Bubba1, I do agree that 350z has very good gas mileage for a V6. I have like 22mpg for my A4 2.8 V6, so I'm pretty impressed. And I really like the fact that 350z is more of like for both fun driving and daily drivable; However, there is a major down side, it's maintence. I just checked, and it is very expensive, and it has nothing less than my A4. Now, I'm more prone to the S2000, but let's see how test drive for S2K going to be~ (rattles... )

Thanks agian!Frank

[Bubba1]

Thanks 350zlcrj and Bubba1, I do agree that 350z has very good gas mileage for a V6. I have like 22mpg for my A4 2.8 V6, so I'm pretty impressed. And I really like the fact that 350z is more of like for both fun driving and daily drivable; However, there is a major down side, it's maintence. I just checked, and it is very expensive, and it has nothing less than my A4. Now, I'm more prone to the S2000, but let's see how test drive for S2K going to be~ (rattles... )

Thanks agian!Frank

We're looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both cars after your test drives.

I'm curious, where did you read where the Z maintenance "very" expensive as compared to an S2K or Audi??

[Dongoesby]

hahah if you read consumer guide, then you will see it. And from the reasearch I have done, most ppl said it is very expensive to tune 350z a little bit. I'm going to get some test drive and see

Frank