Top Gears' 350 v. 300TT

[STEVE BURNS]

its funny how history carries on
the 240/260z guys didn't think the 280zx was a Z
280 guys didn't think the z31 was a Z
the Z31 guys didn't think the Z32 was a Z
The Z32 guys dont think the 350Z is a Z

 

[JEZ 280ZX]

Hi,
The Z32 was a (over priced)35K car when new in 1990 and would cost probably 50k+ if it was sold now!
The 350Z is being made for a different market of "affordable" coupes and so you can't really compare the two cars, but (comparing new for new) the newer car beats the old car on performance per £!These days you don't need twin turbos to produce 280-300hp, but you may do if you want 400hp+.
Do you think that Nissan should have gone down the "retro" styling route though, like Ford have with their new Mustang and made a modern copy of the 240Z??
JEZ

 

[Gio]

Originally posted by JEZ 300Z
The Z32 was a (over priced)35K car when new in 1990 and would cost probably 50k+ if it was sold now!

Oi! Less of the "over-priced" per-lease! Even at the time, surely it was the cheapest "supercar" available?

Steve's right - everyone forgets that Zs were different types of car to ZXs so don't criticise a Z for not being a supercruiser 2+2 and don't criticise a ZX for being a lardy-arsed gutbucket.

Me - I like ALL Z/ZXs - except of course for my Z32 which is the best!

Cheers - Gio

 

[SeanDezart]

"a ZX for being a lardy-arsed gutbucket" - true colours Gio ?

True that the 300TT was one of the least expensive supercars at the time, remember what we were being sold (ok, they 'cos we couldn't afford 'em) and that the Twin had TWO turbos, HICAS and looked mean !
Sure in time certain weaknesses have appeared but how many ultra expensive supercars have to have a strip down every so many thousand miles ? And modern cars (Pug 307) were plagued by problems right from the start.
Burnsie's got it right, every successor has been slagged off by owners of the preceeding model - time will tell !

And I thought that the 350Z was retro and a modern copy of the 240 ?

Homebrew, comeon back buddy - I like people with strong opinions !

 

[john-boy]

Originally posted by Homebrew
I don't like the new 350Z. I think it looks cr*p compaired with the other Z cars, it looks more like a audi TT utter rubish. Is also not powerfull enough for me.

Strong viewpoint indeed ... well, I'm just about to put my Z32 up for sale, as I've been wooed by the seductive charms of the 350, so clearly, I've got a directly opposed, equally strong viewpoint!

I think it's visually very pleasing .. to say you can't see the Z-lineage in the look is to deny your own eyes IMO .. As for being an Audi TT look-a-like .. the only resemblance it has in my mind is the fact that it looks a bit modern.

It's certainly not as visually stunning as my 300zx, but it's definitely a grower, and the drive is sublime .. much, much better than I expected.

Personally, for anyone who wished to relate the new Z to the Audi TT, I'd suggest driving both .. I have, and I can tell you that of all the cars I've driven, the 350 reminded me most of my original 260Z ... which, coincidentally was the most powerful non-turbo car I've owned .

As for the power - there seemed to be plenty to me, even given that it didn't pack the same "rush" as my current twin-turbo.

Homebrew, mate - book up a test drive and try one - I couldn't recommend it too strongly!

CheerZ,
JB.

 

[JEZ 280ZX]

Originally posted by SeanDezart
[B

And I thought that the 350Z was retro and a modern copy of the 240 ?
[/B]

Personally I don't think that the 350Z resembles the 240Z at all, apart from one or two tenuous details.
It is a thoroughly modern design in it's qwn right.Nissan could have designed it to look like a 240Z, complete with scalloped headlights and 1960s interior, but they chose to move the game forward instead!
Having said that, I quite like the 1960s style design of the next Mustang too!
Cheerz,
JEZ

 

[Mr.F]

The 350Z was designed to "echo" the styling cues of the Zs of its heritage. It was never conceived of as a replica, always as a modern concept in its own right.

Anyone who still thinks the 350Z is like an Audi TT has obviously never seen the two cars together in the flesh and their ability to carry a design image in their mind must be limited to remembering a basic coupe outline only.

 

[john-boy]

Originally posted by Mr.F
The 350Z was designed to "echo" the styling cues of the Zs of its heritage. It was never conceived of as a replica, always as a modern concept in its own right.

Anyone who still thinks the 350Z is like an Audi TT has obviously never seen the two cars together in the flesh and their ability to carry a design image in their mind must be limited to remembering a basic coupe outline only.

Well said, Mike .. couldn't agree more!

 

[SeanDezart]

If the interior of the 350Z doesn't resemble that of the 240 - gauges, 2 seat layout, rear parcel shelf.....

"Anyone who still thinks the 350Z is like an Audi TT has obviously never seen the two cars together in the flesh and their ability to carry a design image in their mind must be limited to remembering a basic coupe outline only." Yeah, but Mike, I've a friend who had a TT who just loved the 350, modern chunky design and small ! Of course, 180 or 225 bhp in front or 4 wheel drive is not 280 in rear wheel drive !

I think it's a compliment to be compared to a TT or Boxster, they're both good machines and the Z beats them on either performance, drivability and/or price per fun !

Congrats John-Boy - it'll look better than your tuning 300 !

 

[Homebrew]

It's a real shame that these days cars all seem to look alike in there own group, and the 350 is no exception. Im my mind it will always look like a Audi TT, which I personally don't like.
In time I may grow to like the 350, but for now it just does not do it for me.

 

[JEZ 280ZX]

Hi,
The 240Z is always compared to the "Big Healey" and now the 350Z is tarred with the "TT" Tag.The motoroting press just love these easy, incorrect comparisons...don't they?!
JEZ

 

[Homebrew]

Originally posted by JEZ 300Z
Hi,
The 240Z is always compared to the "Big Healey" and now the 350Z is tarred with the "TT" Tag.The motoroting press just love these easy, incorrect comparisons...don't they?!
JEZ

When I first saw the 350 my first thought was Audi TT, can't help that but thats what came to my mind first. Now, when I first saw the Z32 about 2 years ago I thaught "what the hell is that, I want one!!" First impressions count for me. I think the motoring press have the right to compair cars, correctly or incorrectly, because there is so much choice out there and little that is unique.

 

[Mr.F]

I get the impression that the Audi TT has become almost solely an "image" car and that its driving qualities in all varieties leave a lot to be desired. Also, the fact that every accountant, IT consultant, estate agent and hairdresser has either a TT or a Boxster makes them a non-starter as far as I am concerned. My only hope is that the 350Z never becomes so popular as to take on that mantle.

Stand back to allow outraged members of all professions noted above to vent spleens and deny their involvement........did I leave anybody out?

 

[Tony 260Z]

Errrr... no... I think you covered it.

But what do MX-5 drivers do for a living? Aspire to be TT drivers I guess.