Macgyver

Looking at getting a 2006 350 roadster (grand touring model) or a 2006 IS350. I was first just looking to get a convertible that may turn into my daily driver. I test drove a manual 350z today and wasn't impressed as I thought I would be. That could be b/c I drove my Vette up to see it. My thought was that my m35 has nice pick up, so with 350z having the same engine and being lighter I would feel the difference. I did feel the difference when I drove the G35..a huge difference. Maybe I need to test drive an automatic.

Ok so I was pretty much stuck on getting a 350z roadster, but I saw 2006 IS350 on the way home. I test drove it and was pretty impressed. Only setback was the fact the car didn't have xenon lights or a nav system. The 350z did.

What is your opinions on these two cars? None will be considered as my performance car, but I do want something that has the fun factor. I'm almost positive I will feel that fun factor when I drive the 350z automatic tomorrow. I still would like the pros and cons you feel these cars have. I dont know much about either car but I will research. The Grand touring 350zr has brembo brakes, nav and bose system. The IS had huge brakes, but a non brand stereo system.

darkdream

Since reliability doesn't seem like an issue it would be more of a fun factor for you... so I would say 350z.... I have driven the 350z quite a bit and I own a IS350....The IS350 doesn't have much road feedback, its basically numb (I heard this is improved on the 2009 substantially, but you seem like you want to buy used) so it does get dull at times. However after driving a friend's 350z many times and having it break down twice and breaking a button in the car I would not chose it if it were a daily driver. Btw the IS has an optional ML sound system.

Macgyver

I appreciate the feedback. The 350 is more fun in your opinion, but IS better as a daily driver if I need reliability.

Power wise both cars feel the same to you? I will find out myself after I drive the auto 350zr tomorrow.

eyecon7

iTrader: (2)

If your worried About Reliability Both Cars are Very Reliable.. those VQ's in Nissan's Are Tanks...

Macgyver

I believe you as far as the engine. I've put my m35 through some punishment and she took it well.

joshthorsc

If you want a convertible in the first place, then I'd say stick with the 350z or maybe an S2000. However, I wouldn't recommend using a soft top convertible as a daily driver. I had an S2000 for two years and it was fun at first but drove me crazy during my second year of ownership.

LOTS of wind noise, especially with the top up, but a very fun car to drive. It was a love and hate relationship.

primecut

iTrader: (1)

I owned a 350z. If you are looking for a daily driver, get the IS350. If you are looking for the fun car, get the Z. The IS is far more luxurious and comfortable, and the Z is obviously sporty and fun, but it's not tuned for long drives.

In terms of performance, the IS350 will take the Z easily straight line, especially against the roadster. In terms of handling, the Z is far more nimble and responsive, and I'm guessing the IS350 is more "numb". I have not personally driven an IS350 though.

Reliability-wise, they are both rock solid.

There are two other factors that you may also want to consider. 1- The 370z is about to come out, so you are looking at a dated model immediately. Plus, if you wait a few more months, the 350z price should plummet further. The current IS model should still be fresh for a few more years. 2- The IS is far more practical, especially for a daily driver. The Z has 2 seats, and absolutely no cargo space.

Hope this helps!

92 SC400

Get an '07+ 350Z for the VQ HR motor. I just bought an '08 Z because I finally gave up on finding the right E46 M3; 8 months of searching and finding nothing wears on you after a while... haha I will still get one, eventually, so in the interim I got something I can enjoy.

My g/f has an '08 IS350 and even she will admit it's a bore to drive and I can personally attest to this as I've driven it many times. The Z is hands down more fun to drive, has much better road feel and will not put you to sleep. The interior is definitely cheaper on the Z than the IS; the Bose system sucks to be honest; the one on my g/f's previous G35 coupe sucked; it sucks in my dad's Audi and Im sure it sucks in Z.

You can't drive a vette to test drive a lesser sports car and not expect to feel disappointed... haha

Macgyver

From what I read the electronics ..TCS, VDC etc can't be turned off so you can't feel the road as much in the IS, even though it supposedly handles well.

92 SC400

From my understanding they can be disabled; I found this on a Z forum: http://my350z.com/forum/new-owners/3...-question.html

Have you driven a 2IS yet? If you havent, I think after you drive it you'll notice the difference in feel pretty quickly. Coming from a G35 my g/f was even able to tell the difference between that and her IS and the G is a bit softer than the Z IMO. I dont know if my Z handles better than her IS yet as it only has 45 miles on it and I wont be able to push it for a little bit, but I can tell you without a doubt that the G handled better than the IS so I would expect no less.

If you want straight line speed, the IS is definitely better, no doubt, but it's a numb ride IMO.

Magyver

I meant the IS350 can't have the electronics turned off.

92 SC400

^^^ Are you an impostor? haha

Sorry, I read your post wrong or too quickly. Im not sure really though how much those electronics hamper the IS's "feel" and the handling isn't bad, dont get me wrong, but if you're looked for the "fun" factor, it isn't there.

bagwell

IS350 = boring drive with a wonderful motor (had one), good daily driver.
350Z = fun drive with a good motor (6 speed ONLY!).

Bean

iTrader: (1)

But the transmissions are not.

The 350z will be quite a bit slower than the IS in the real world. As a DD, the Z has NOTHING on the IS.

92 SC400

^^^ I would have to disagree. In the real world the difference in straight line performance of the IS v Z would be negligible as many people just find themselves in traffic anyway... 1/4 mile track, I would probably agree with you though.