The Crittenden Automotive Library

Topics: Nissan 350Z, Nissan 370Z

350Z or 370Z - Which One Do I Buy?

Author: Lucy Wyndham
Date: 26 January 2022

Datsun first started their mission to produce an affordable sports car back in 1961, with the Fairlady. But unlike the hit Broadway musical which it was named after, it bombed. In America however, they rebadged the car as the 240Z and enthusiasts lapped it up - the new Z range of sports cars was born. The inimitable and stylish 350Z came to a newly buoyant market in 2001 and became an instant hit. This racing beast incorporated a 3.5 liter VQ35DE V6 engine with an impressive 287 horsepower, for an affordable price tag. It was no wonder the car became so popular. In 2007, Nissan revamped the chassis and put a better engine in the car, bringing to the world the 370Z. But if you have the cash to splash on one of these iconic sports cars, which do you buy - the classic or the remake?

Midnight Motion Nissan 350Z

Under the hood

If the engine and horsepower are top of your list, then there are two notable differences when considering 350Z vs 370Z. The original 350Z comes with a VQ35DE V6 engine that runs at 287 bhp at 6200 RPM, and is considered to be generally mod-friendly and reliable. In 2005 Nissan replaced this with a “Rev Up” version which bumped the horsepower to 300. This engine had variable exhaust timing and a different ABS computer, but many car owners reported that it consumed a lot more oil. With the arrival of the 370Z, Nissan fixed a lot of the engine niggles that owners had been complaining about. The new VQ37VHR V6 engine provides 332 bhp at 7000 RPM and a direct injection fuel system - a solid upgrade proving more power.

Suspension and driving

The 350Z came with stock suspension, which did the job, but with the 370Z there was the opportunity to refine this and make some upgrades that were much-needed. The 370Z has a shorter radius rod, bringing it far more parallel to the ground. The upper control arms and axis are also more parallel to the ground, and this has an effect on how the car drives. The 370Z generally grips the corners far better than its predecessor. The changes in the suspension system also reduced the chances of wheel hop during hard acceleration. All of this makes for a smoother drive.

Vehicle aesthetics

The interior of the 350Z was kept simple, but is still very driver-centric. Everything on the car dashboard points slightly to the driver’s side, making the ride incredibly ergonomic. The quality of the interior is a little basic, the hard plastics were of the era, but had a tendency to develop a rattle over time. The 370Z was built to a higher quality, with softer, finer materials and comfortable seats. The car still had the same general profile of the 350Z, but with revised front lines and of course the unusual-shaped lights.

The 370Z certainly appears to be an improved and upgraded version of the 350Z. On paper the newer model appears to excel in every way. But if you’re considering which one to buy, there’s a lot of value in the raw experience of driving the 350Z - and of course, the classic came first.