Will trading an E36 M3 in for 350z be a downgrade?

2m0a0x2

08-23-2002, 07:05 PM

will it be a down-grade? in terms of everything.......

carlson

08-25-2002, 01:37 AM

No, if you get at least a perfromance model.

carlson

08-25-2002, 01:40 AM

If I were you, I would trade the maxima for a 350Z or a G35 coupe. You don't need 2 sedans. :)

2m0a0x2

08-25-2002, 01:50 AM

but i really treat the M3 as a sports car more than a sedan........the maxima is the sedan, the discovery is the trip/off road car, and then M3 is the weekend/nice day fun car....

for sure, i will definately get track pack.....if I were to get a 350z...or at least performance

carlson

08-25-2002, 02:17 AM

Since it will be your weekend/fun car, maybe you should wait for the convertible 350Z. Convertibles are fun and relaxing! ;)

2m0a0x2

08-25-2002, 03:18 PM

u see......i live in canada, so a convertible is not a good idea

carlson

08-25-2002, 06:00 PM

Only drive it when it's not raining/snowing. Plus you have the other 2 cars to drive for the bad weather.;)

If you can afford to have the 350Z as a weekend/fun car, get something different (Convertible version 350Z). Thats what I would do.

If thats your only car (and the area you live would snow), then the coupe is your choice.

LEVOC///MPower

11-05-2002, 03:00 AM

Hello! I have the exact same dilemma! and I am from Canada too!

I have a very rare euro spec E36 M3. It's car number 16/45.

But after seeing the 350Z I just fell in love with it. But I just can't justify ridding my ///M for a Nissan. I also ask the question whether I am downgrading, in some ways I feel I am.

but when i see that Z 's interior and styling I just get so tempted to switch!

2m0a0x2

11-05-2002, 05:38 PM

yes indeed.....how bout u sell me your car, and then u can get a 350z? well, jkjk, but considering u have a euro spec car in CANADA, then i would for sure not trade. Your car looks like an m3 gt.....but i don't think it is..

LEVOC///MPower

11-05-2002, 05:42 PM

No, it's not a GT, it just has the splitter and the gt rear wing.

yeah, I should keep the car as it will be a very rare piece in the future and probably will go up in value. It only has 44000km believe it or not!
Brand new interior practically

http://ken.eeic.org/m3/m3tag.jpg http://ken.eeic.org/m3/seat2.jpg

LEVOC///MPower

11-05-2002, 05:47 PM

so 2m0a0x2,

didyou decide to trade M3 for Z??

2m0a0x2

11-06-2002, 01:00 AM

no, i didn't trade it, i went to the dealership to take a look at it, and i wasn't impressed. and i mean AT ALL. the only thing i like about it is the sound it makes.......other than that.....i will stick with the M3...

44000km!?!? and i only have 25k and i thought it's already little....

LEVOC///MPower

11-06-2002, 01:03 AM

Originally posted by 2m0a0x2
no, i didn't trade it, i went to the dealership to take a look at it, and i wasn't impressed. and i mean AT ALL. the only thing i like about it is the sound it makes.......other than that.....i will stick with the M3...

44000km!?!? and i only have 25k and i thought it's already little....

How are you not impressed with it?

I have seen the car in person a couple times and I am very impressed with the interior and exterior design.. I havne't driven it, but i imagine it to be very pleasurable.

Please share your negative comments about the Z so I can forget about it.

2m0a0x2

11-06-2002, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by LEVOC///MPower

How are you not impressed with it?

I have seen the car in person a couple times and I am very impressed with the interior and exterior design.. I havne't driven it, but i imagine it to be very pleasurable.

Please share your negative comments about the Z so I can forget about it.

well, i saw a really bad colour, that white colour, and an auto. I wasn't too happy with it because the interior, although contemporary, it's not as detailed as it is on the BMW. The wheels, were supposed to be really nice, but i didn't find them especially good, and the car seemed really unsofisticated to me. It was very simple compared to the BMW. In Calgary, there are LOTS of people on the waiting list. There are still a number of people waiting for their car, and I have already seen so many on the road. This means that in one or two years time, these cars will be as common as civics. The M3 (especially e36) truly does have the rare part of it down:p btw, you on dtmpower.net?

LEVOC///MPower

11-06-2002, 09:38 PM

Yes I post on dtmpower.net and bimmerforums.com

Contrary to your opinion, I find the car's interior nicely detailed. Even the airvent has the letter "Z".

Here in vancouver, I haven't seen many Z on the road! I think I have only seen 2-3 in the last few months. My friend has seen more! I wish I can see more so I can get a better look at the car in it's natural environment.

Arcticfox

05-21-2003, 12:33 PM

I have an e36 m3 and have had the opportunity to drive my bosses 350Z thru the Rocky mts. I have thought a lot about the differences in the two cars.

You are right about the Z being less sophisticated; this is predominant in the interior make up ( sorry Z owners, I do have good comments too though)
The m is much nicer inside (lots of plastic in the Z), but look at the price difference. If Nissan had to cut corners, that was the place to do it.

The Z ( a sport model by the way) had a Bose stereo. Sounded about the same as my HK.

The shifter in the Z is very satisfying. Like a rifle bolt, and short throws. Very nice.

The seats are snugger in the shoulder than the M. (too snug for my farily wide shoulders)

The ride in the Z is punishing. But that is due to the tight suspension. Very little body roll. There is a huge torsion bar running thru the hatchback. And it works very well! The car holds the corners smoother than my M.

The Brembo brakes are great! I bought my car used and the brakes are at 60%, so a fair comparison isn't possible. But the pedal feel and stopping power in the Z are world class. Boxster S comes to mind.

Big difference in the engines IMHO. Coming from the M, the Z engine is dissapointing. Doesn't rev as smooth or quickly. But does any car rev like a BMW? THe throttle response in the M is the best I've felt. Anyone stepping into a Z from a different car may think the Z is great. And they are probably right. The numbers suggest the Z is as fast ( and has more horsepower). Sure doesn't feel like it.

Now for the biggie. The steering response in the Z is the best I've felt. Better that M, vette, Porsche. Absolutley instantanious! When I got home, my M steering felt sloppy. But, there is little or no feedback from the wheel ( again, I'm speaking from the M point of view. Others might think its great) THe steering is so light you could steer the Z with your
thumb and forefinger. Impossible in an M. I guess you get your road feel from the suspension and thru your seat.

I think both cars are wonderful and you can have fun in either. The are just two different cars with different attributes and downfalls.

Final note: I think the M is faster but you can get in the Z and start driving fast NOW. No learning curve. Easy to drive. And I'll bet you don't have to pick your chin up off the floor when you get the bill for servicing the Z.

chopstick

05-25-2003, 12:48 AM

well......i agree with u aobut the interior (i mean the meterial side) is way far...way far behind the M3. Well, i love the new Z (i own one) and i think the cheap plastic look even worst than my girlfriend Honda Delso and its hard to clean. Anyway, i still love my new Z.

Z350Lover

06-13-2003, 01:58 AM

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Will trading an E36 M3 in for 350z be a downgrade?