- The Nissan 350Z has thrived as a go-to pick for those looking for a manual, rear-wheel drive sports car.
- Today, the Nissan 350Z offers an immense aftermarket to customize the aesthetics, improve power and handling performance, and craft a unique build.
- Whether it is a show car, a drift car, or a time-attack monster, the Nissan 350Z continues to be a popular choice amongst enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Very few cars enter the car world and maintain a strong following. The Nissan 350Z is one of those few cars. Since its release in 2003, the Nissan 350Z has been seen as a go-to choice for those desiring the purity of a naturally-aspirated rear-wheel drive sports car with a stick shift. Not only is it a clear front-runner for used sports cars, it is also sought after as a great car for those modifying their cars for the first time. If you’re one of those beginners, Car Mods For Beginners: The Ultimate Performance Part Guide is a great article for you to read next after this!
But what makes this car sought after over twenty years later? Today’s Powershift Auto spotlight on the 350Z will highlight its base level of performance, what has helped it maintain its staying power in today’s world of performance, and where we think the 350Z will go in the future.
What Is The Nissan 350Z?
Continuing the lineage of the phenomenal 240Z, the 350Z arrived in 2003 as a complete sports car package. The VQ35 engine powering the 350Z pumped out 280 horsepower in a 3200-ish pound platform. For context, the E36 M3 in the North American market only had 240 horsepower, the 2003 Mustang GT produced 260 horsepower, and the recently retired 2002 Camaro SS/Trans Am had 325 horsepower.
Power wasn’t the only thing the Z had going for it. A viscous limited-slip differential, 6-speed manual, and an option for factory brembo brakes and Rays wheels made the 350Z a very competitive offering. The Z’s handling was nothing to scoff at either. A strong chassis combined with almost 50/50 weight distribution made it a go-to choice for track cars. While the factory handling of the Z lent towards understeer, tuning options assisted with alleviating this issue.
As the 350Z further developed, the VQ35’s performance went even further with the RevUp models in 2006. Nissan pumped up the engine’s power to 300 horsepower. Taking its performance even further, Nissan released the VQ35HR in the final years of the 350Z (2007 and 2008), which produced 306 horsepower. While most V6 sedans nowadays make about the same amount of power or more, 300 horsepower in a naturally-aspirated V6 was huge in the early 2000’s.
The combination of a well-handling chassis, powerful engine, and gorgeous body style ensured this car became a JDM legend like the Z cars before it.
To summarize the Nissan 350Z appropriately, it offers a complete package for anyone looking for a quick rear-wheel drive coupe while living in a used car budget between $5,000 to $15,000.
Why Is It Still Popular After Over 20 Years?
The tuner car scene has maintained the Nissan 350Z as a go-to platform for many builds. This is because of the 350Z’s base level of performance greatly exceeds its low-entry cost. In fact, it is one of our favorite bargain sports cars on the market. 300 horsepower, a 6-speed, rear-wheel drive, and a limited-slip differential make this a fantastic foundation for a track, street, or drift build. Even better, to get into this car you’re only looking at $5,000 to $15,000 to purchase one depending on year and condition, which is great for a beginner!
As car enthusiasts, we all know the main appeal of modifying a car is transforming it into our own. The aftermarket wholeheartedly embraced the 350Z platform, giving us tons of performance parts, body kits, and customization options to make it unique. Companies flocked to show what they can do with this platform, giving us the inspiration and desire to build one. Just look at Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and tell me that wasn’t a huge add for the Nissan 350Z!
Lastly, I believe what has really helped the Nissan 350Z stand the test of time is what it has accomplished in motorsports. While unfortunately, the 350Z is falling victim to the blight on the car community known as takeovers, the car has been a stand out in the racing world. Drift racing, time-attack, and mountain pass racing all sees the presence of the 350Z in a competitive way. Drift racing especially has uplifted the 350Z, and not just in the movies. Car YouTubers such as Mike Myke are out here creating high-powered drift builds with this same platform.
Regardless if you want to transform your Nissan 350Z into a track car or just a simple and clean street car, it is more than capable of doing so. If you need inspiration for your build, you don’t have to look very far as people are showcasing their awesome Z Cars all over the internet. Just don’t build a Z for takeovers, it deserves better than that.
Hey Powershift Auto! What About The Infiniti G35?
The Infiniti G35, also known as the cousin to the 350Z, is another great option for a build. While it shares the same fundamental powertrain, there are differences. The G35 has a bit more weight on the chassis due to the interior options and size, but you could argue it is more comfortable to own as an everyday car. If you want a year-by-year break down of the comparison, check out the table below.
| Model (Years) | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb.-ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan 350Z (2003–2004) | VQ35DE | 287 hp | 274 |
| Nissan 350Z (2005) | VQ35DE Rev-Up (6MT only) / Standard VQ35DE (5AT) | 300 hp (6MT) / 287 hp (5AT) | 260 (6MT) / 274 (5AT) |
| Nissan 350Z (2006) | VQ35DE Rev-Up | 300 hp | 260 |
| Nissan 350Z (2007–2008) | VQ35HR | 306 hp | 268 |
| Infiniti G35 Coupe (2003–2004) | VQ35DE | 280 hp | 270 |
| Infiniti G35 Coupe (2005–2007) | VQ35DE Rev-Up (6MT) / Standard VQ35DE (5AT) | 298 hp (6MT) / 280 hp (5AT) | 260 (6MT) / 270 (5AT) |
| Infiniti G35 Sedan (2003–2004) | VQ35DE | 260 hp | 260 |
| Infiniti G35 Sedan (2005–2006) | VQ35DE | 280 hp | 270 |
| Infiniti G35 Sedan (2007–2008) | VQ35HR | 306 hp | 268 |
Whether you go with a Nissan 350Z or an Infiniti is up to you. Some prefer the pure two-seat sports car vibe of the Z, while others have families to drive around or want a more luxurious interior. Regardless, both cars are going to give you a great platform to build upon and to have fun with.
Conclusion
The Nissan 350Z is one of the most accessible rear-wheel drive cars out there. The low-entry cost and plethora of parts keep the overall costs of your build low. Also, because there is so much content out there regarding the 350Z, tackling mods or maintenance on your own is much easier. There are very few cars you can get into below $10,000 with 300 horsepower and rear-wheel drive with this type of aftermarket. The Z is a blank canvas with only the limits of your creativity holding back what it can do, which is why I absolutely love this option for anyone wanting a fun car.
If you’re in the market for a JDM tuner like the 350Z, go out and get one now as I do see them becoming a collector car later down the row. In my honest opinion, the 350Z may be this generation’s 240SX at the rate its going.
If you’re looking for a fun car but also need it to be a more capable daily driver, I highly recommend you click here and check out our favorite daily driver cars!
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