[CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO OF THE 370Z ON TRACK.]
Before we begin this month's automotive duel, we should admit a bias: We like the 370Z better. By the numbers, it's better than its predecessor in every regard. Output is up 26 hp and 2 lb-ft of torque, with more of everything throughout the entire rev range; curb weight is down by 61 pounds. The 370 is 0.6 inches lower, 2.6 inches shorter, 1.3 inches wider, has a tighter turning radius, yet has more leg-, hip-, head- and shoulder room than the 350. Fuel efficiency has increased; NVH has decreased. Chassis rigidity has drastically improved, steering is much more responsive, and turn-in is better. And then there's the SynchroRev Match feature Carter loves so much-even those of us without a heel-toe handicap agree: it's endlessly enjoyable and has no drawback. It causes no parasitic drivetrain loss and if you don't like it, it goes away with the push of a button.
But the "370" designation that represents the new model is only half the reason we like it. It's still a Z, and as such, continues Japan's original sportscar lineage, and remains faithful to "sport compact" classification. Where so many OEs have introduced a sport compact model solely as a kick-off point for growing a brand into a comfortable, luxurious addition to the consumer commuter market, Nissan's Z has put performance first for 51 years. Beginning with the 1959 release of the Datsun S211 Fairlady/Sports roadster, the line has grown more potent at each of its 11 steps toward the modern day. Like many Japanese sportscars, early models mimicked popular British and Italian roadsters. But with the debut of the 2000GT in 1967, and introduction of the Z-badged S30 chassis two years later, Japanese performance had officially come into its own right.
We like the 370Z better than the 350Z, but budgets included, the 350 might be our pick to begin a serious performance build. Launched in 2003 after a seven-year hiatus begun with the Z32's USDM exit in 1996 (2000, for the rest of the world), the 350Z was immediately met with aftermarket support and bought up by those with addictions to hard driving. The car holds its value well, but examples that have been modified and/or driven "spiritedly" can be found on used car lots for under $10K-a bargain considering that with a little work, its performance can be made to match or surpass its successor.
350Z
The black roadster on these pages began life as a Nissan press car, modified by GT Channel for the sole purpose of being displayed at the 2007 SEMA show. And except for the miscellaneous press function thereafter, it sat in all its show-car splendor inside a dusty warehouse for two years until "Formula D Diaries" contributing drifter Daijiro Yoshihara decided it might make a good time-attack car. "Taro Koki [editor, GT Channel] and I were talking about the car one day," Dai explains, "and he told me there was nothing planned for it, so we got the idea to build it as a time-attack car for the 2009 SEMA show, and shake it down at Super Lap Battle's final-round competition at Buttonwillow right after. I always wanted to learn time-attack driving, but just never had a car for it." He adds. "And the thought of the Z sitting all alone in that warehouse made me sad!"
By Luke Munnell
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