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

[Arcticfox]

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]

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]

LEVOC:

Don't think about it is a kinda of downgrade..... they are two different car... I used to drive a fully tuned up AC Schnitzer S3 Sport (euro 3.2L engine with SMG) about 4 months ago, but I sold that car and changed to the Z....

You can not be able to compare the power figure because my m3 had nearly over 60 HP more than the Z... and it pulled a lot quicker as well... You just need to make your own decision and move on from there!!! That will be my suggestion.... no one can help you deciding where you need to go towards... only yourself! kekeke....

btw... I love my Z.... had it for nearly 4 months... and have already started modifying it!!!

Here are some pics to my M3 with lots of Carbon fibres from ACS...





































cheers,

richie