300zx TT vs WRX (not STi) ...or best car under $10k

[AndrewZorn]

I've been looking to get a new [used] car for some time and my main concern is performance... though it will be used as a daily driver. Yes, there are cars on this list that most would not want as daily drivers, but things like comfort and gas mileage do not really concern me. Extreme unreliability and such would be the only things stopping me from driving, say, a 300zx to work every day.

I've been stuck on the 300zx for so long, but I recently found out a 2002/2003 WRX can be had for around the same price. It's 10yrs newer, which I would think is a huge deal, but the mileage for each car around the target price seems to be the same at around 80k.

Based on my research, the 300zx is faster straight line, but the WRX is faster through the corners, but the difference is not great...?

300zx has a higher quality interior (leather, etc) but is older.

300zx is a true sports car, but the WRX has backseats and a larger trunk (not sure which of these is a positive thing, if not both).

I've kind of ruled out the 3000gt VR4 (reliability and age in comparison to something very similar... the WRX) and MR2 (just too small, not my thing I suppose).

Again, this is something I've been deciding on for a LONG time and that I finally have the money for. I just recently joined these forums. Thanks for reading.

[BurntGauge]

Wrx

[sickcallawayc12]

Well first I don't believe you're gonna find a "good" WRX for under 10k. A taken care of WRX usually runs a good 12k, probably a little less for a wagon.

As for picking a choice, WRX all the way though it depends on how important performance is. If you are gonna use it for a daily driver, don't bother looking at the Z IMO. The fact that you'll use it often means maintenence costs will be high regardless of how reliable it is. A WRX is "performance and a daily driver in one package", everything is integrated together and is built for daily use, and they sell like hot cakes this way (I plan on gettin' one in the next few months hopefully). Z is true sports car which usually means expensive maintenence, especially if its twin turbo. Subaru is one of the top in the game when it comes to reliability, let alone better than a Z, but i'm sure the reliablilty on a Z isn't horrible. WRX is a 4WD so its kinda heavy, but the boost makes up for it well (may not outrun the Z though, I dunno) and will be great in the corners. Interior quality is not a strongpoint in the WRX, but most care more about the performance rather than interior.

[AndrewZorn]

Performance is pretty much #1 as long as the car is semi-suitable for daily driving. Really all that worries me about driving the 300zx every day is adverse weather, which the WRX is built for...

The WRX is much lighter than the 300zx (3085lbs vs ~3500lbs) but the power/weight ratio is lower (227hp vs 300hp). The 0-60 and quarter mile times are actually quite close though... I'm thinking it's just the 4wd launch and newer technology that reduces the drivetrain power loss perhaps.

According to "that one big list that is recycled on 10,000 websites", 0-60 and quarter mile times are:
1992-1995 Nissan 300ZX Turbo - 5.6 14.1 (average of four posted years)
2002 Subaru Impreza WRX - 5.7 14.4
...that is a very small sacrifice for backseats and 4wd.

It seems like I'm just trying to justify the WRX and get you guys to agree, but I still like the 300zx more. I've wanted it for a while. When I found out a WRX was within reach, I had to turn around my thoughts about the whole thing. Just trying to get a handful of second opinions...

[sickcallawayc12]

Z is the way to go if performance is #1. WRX wagon will be useful if you need the cargo space and/or AWD with sufficient performance. Also, you could always do some suspension & exhaust mods cuz that's all a WRX really needs to be a better car (well, maybe a sound system & some tint).

[silentscreams85]

High performance definetly the Z. Daily driver practicality with good performance the WRX.

[AndrewZorn]

Do you guys think that the WRX would be quicker around corners than the 300zx?

Is a car that is 10yrs newer but with the same mileage as the 300zx (~80k) really going to be in better mechanical condition? The fact that people are putting so many miles on WRXs in short time periods is leading me to believe the 300zxs are better taken care of, as many owners do not use them everyday, offroading, etc...

Thanks again for all the information and opinion.

[sickcallawayc12]

I'm sure it will, thanks to AWD.

Remember though that the WRX is not 10 years newer either, its just new to the US market. It was first used in Japan in the mid 90s and has been produced there ever since. They didn't really change anything significant on the US version except some detuning to comply with EPA (japanese has 250 horses or so). I also believe that the chassis design has always been similar with the actual WRC rally cars. No need to worry even if it's got a few miles, it is just as solid as a Z, if not more, and is just plain an excellent machine (same for most Subarus for that matter). Definitely a worthy buy.

[AndrewZorn]

Damn...

I can barely keep my mind set on one of the cars for an entire day, nevertheless long enough to decide on one to keep for the next 5yrs or so. The driving styles each would excel in both appeal to me!

[G-man422]

Go w/ the ZTT. Great looks, and pretty reliable.

[TatII]

i love the Z32, i actually seriously considered buying one a few years back.

the WRX's 1/4 time is similar to the Z's becasue of hte AWD. if you look at the trap speed ( terminal velocity at the finish line ) the Z averages 102mph while the WRX hits like 94-95mph. that is a 7 car difference in a roll on race on the highway.

the WRX does not handle better than a Z either. a mint Z with good tires will out handle a stock WRX with stock tires. the WRX will only feel like it handles better because of its AWD, and ease of accessing the cars potential.

The WRX even though is a very very reliable car, i would worry about the transmission. alot of them have been abused and is probrably on its 2nd or 3rd tranny. the stock turbos on the WRX is also very small and can't even hit 300whp on it n/a. they have a semi open deck block design so its not a rock solid as the jdm 2.0 blocks.

the Z is has reached new advances recently. there are many bolt on Z's now that can hit mid 11's in the 1/4 on stock turbos. the biggest choke point on the stock setup was the stock exhaust manifolds. you swap those out, and they can almost run with a supra pound for pound on the stock setup.

it gets very very expensive once you reach that point though. you will need to buy two of everything. this car is a true twin setup, two turbos, two intercoolers, two throttle bodies. so when you start reaching past the basic performance upgrades, it will cost a fortune. not to mention that its a pain in the ass to work on. there is no room in the Z's engine bay to do anything. you practically have to pull the motor out to do anything on it. however the WRX is not without issues in that department either. like changing spark plugs on that car is a bitch as well.

but for the Z is very overly engineered. the stock block can handle over 500whp, and the stock tranny is very very robust as well. it also has killer gearing. 3rd supposidily takes you to 120mph. very very good highway cars.

[AndrewZorn]

Lots of helpful insight there... but I simply cannot decide on the driving style that suits me more.

I just did a looong trip up/down a mountain today on really rough roads, that was even fun in a TAURUS, so naturally I'm wanting the WRX right now. But the 300zx still seems to be higher quality and overall better, despite its age (but it makes sense when you look at the cars' price tags).

Are all the cars in your sig yours? I'd really like a Skyline, any Skyline...

[sickcallawayc12]

Subaru manual trannys are indeed pretty weak so you will have to take care of it (near perfect shifts) if you get a WRX. then again, all the more reason to get a Z.

[TatII]

only the 240 and the nsx is mine. the skyline belongs to a co worker of mine. i would honestly say this.

if you want to get a Z, leave an $3000 on the side incase anything breaks. that will be your emergency money. with the WRX i would leave like $1000 if anything breaks. as i stated, the biggest issue with the WRX is the transmission. that problem cannot be fixed unless you put alot of money into it. your basically replacing a weak transmission with another weak transmission and its a never ending cycle.

the Z being that its an older car, and the vacuum lines and wiring harness is all old and brittle from all that heat under the hood, needs to be addressed. the timing belt needs to be addressed too. if you keep up to date with the maintainance on the Z, the car will be rock solid. its preventative maintainance that you gotta do to prevent a big problem from happening.

[O'Dailigh]

If both cars have similar milage, it would seem to me that the previous owner of the Z probably took good care of it considering that its 10 years older. If a 2002-3 WRX already has high miles on it, it might as well be 10 years older. The cars are equally worn out. I personally like the WRX, but my gut on the situation says the Z is the better choice.