adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

I wanted to get some thoughts and impressions from any fellas in the 3rd gen section that have owned or still own a z32 300zx. I think there are a few of you. I just wanted to see what you liked and didn't like from an FD owners standpoint. I'm asking here because I value the knowledge and experience of the people on this board. Many thanks.

Adam

Battle Cat

iTrader: (78)

ive owned both N/A and twin turbo Z32's.....


i thought it was the coolest ****, till i traded my N/A z32 for a na fc... that opened my eyes...

then i drove a buddies fd... i stayed with rotary ever since then. i sold my z32 for turbo ll..

Handling is so much better on rx7's... power to weight makes a HUGEEEEE difference as well...

i just loved the over capabilities of the rx7, and the feel of them...


My z would under steer, felt laggish, ddnt feel like a sports car at all.. the car felt dated over all..

i did like the interior on my z, wasnt as brittle as my fd and my fcs.... but other than that... i hate Z32's....

live2drive15

iTrader: (4)

My buddy had an NA Z32. Besides not looking nearly as sexy as an FD, it was a decent car. But like Jaime said, they feel heavy and bulky in the corners. The V6 makes pretty smooth power and decent torque. I didn't care for the interior that much, but it's not awful.

I can honestly say it may be one engine that is more of a PITA to work on then the FD's lol

93rx74lyfe

iTrader: (1)

Ive never owned one but I did get to drive one for a week while my car was being worked on. My first impressions with the exterior where not good. I know some people call this car "timeless" but to me it just looks dated and old. The interior......well it had two seats and a dash like most cars, but its nothing to write home about. The power output was good from a low rpm stand point which was a nice change from the FDs but overall it just felt very unrefined in the upper rev range compared to the rotary.

The brakes are good, almost as good as the FDs(which is surprising with the Nissan being such a heavy car). The handeling......if the FD feels like a grey hound in the turns the Z is more like the over weight chow. It wobbles during acceleration and any lateral movement which can be fun to watch but not the quickest thing on a road course. If your planing on jumping from an RX-7 to a "Z" car I would advise against it from a drivers point of view. To me its like comparing a fine steak to a batch of mc'nuggets.

live2drive15

iTrader: (4)

While the 350Z doesn't get rid of the "heavy" feeling, it is much nicer and has similar power to the TT z32 and looks much better as well. The interior is great and the body is well designed. Plus the noise the V6 makes, purrrrrrrrrr.

If you are thinking about a Z, I would suggest newer. 350z's can be had for under 15 now.

Montego

iTrader: (1)

When I was shopping for a car 12 years I test drove several vehicles (TTsupra, camaro, m3 ect...). Anyway one day after work I test drove a 300zx and an FD, which both were in great condition (as expected this was 1998). I first drove the 300zx i liked it as it had a little bit of power and I liked the looks. Ok... Given that I have never been an impulse buyer I told the dealer that I was gonna think about it plus I was on my way to check out an rx-7 as well.

So hopped on the freeway and headed towards the dude's house (private seller) who was selling a 26K 93 FD. I bought the FD that afternoon.

Mahjik

iTrader: (1)

The 300zx is a GT car, not a sports car. It is "sporty", but it's not a "sports car". As such, the stock suspension is not as stiff as the FD. You can turn it into a "great handling" car just like you can a Mustang with some money.

I had one for 2-3 years and loved it. I had unfortunately purchased an automatic which I thought I wanted at the time since I was doing more city driving than anything. However, that ultimately became the car's undoing as I soon got tired of it and bought the FD. At the time, I thought I was tired of the car. In retrospect, I was tired of the transmission and not the car. Had I originally purchased a manual, I highly doubt I would have gotten rid of it as soon as I did as I really did enjoy the car.

If I didn't need a decent backseat now, I would daily drive a 350/370z today.

The ownership of the FD has been a LOT more problematic than my 300zx ownership. The only two bad things that happened with the 300zx was a shorted out battery and needing the front brake calipers to be built. I did not own tools or anything during my 300zx ownership, so I never physically did any work on the car. Then again, I never really needed to...

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

Thanks for posting guys. If I ever buy one I'd only be getting a 300zx tt, manual. I have read that they are considerably heavier and even more cramped under the hood. I do really like the exterior shape however I think the FD looks more original and it will keep looking modern in the years to come whereas the Z looks great but also looks 90s. I love my FD and it's in great shape, no mechanical issues. My only gripe with the FD is in the exterior can dent easily plus some of the interior is lacking in terms of strength and quality but I know it was all for weight savings. I had a 95 maxima a few years ago, loved the engine and the interior was more robust than my FD. The 300zx has always been one of my favorites so I figured it might have the best of all worlds. I have never driven one though so I thought I'd ask around. Not planning on selling the FD for one though. They are surprisingly expensive for a low mileage, stock car.

arghx

iTrader: (3)

The interior ergonomics of the Z32 remind me of my brother's old 91 Pontiac Grand AM.

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

Yes some of the control "pods" look kind of strange. The FD interior looks really nice, is more smooth and attractive. I just wish it were a little more solid. I guess you can't really have it all.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

I'm actually a member of the 'Z' Club. A local club president, who's a great guy, took pity on me because there just we're any RX7's around at the time.
Hanging around with the club I totally agree with these two observations ^ . While I think both car's styling has aged well, the FD has the edge there. But at least in my area, it's way easier to find a knowledgable shop to work on a Z32 if needed. And even in turbo form, the Z32's with comperable miles and mods seem to be significantly more reliable than my FD.
That said the Z32 doesn't handle was well and (IMO) isn't as much fun to drive. They will also make you appreciate the spaciousness of our engine bay.

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

Well put and good info. I would agree that it would have to be more reliable with similar miles and basic modifications. I bet a rebuild is more expensive though, however less likely to be needed.

oo7arkman

iTrader: (2)

I have been a fan of Z's since I first got to drive one. Never purchased one until a few years ago when I picked up my 350 for a DD.

The Z32 and the FD compared with minor engine mods with respect to reliability should be fairly even. Most problems occur when engines are modded with carelessness or poor planning and the same downfall will happen to both Z and FD. But I will agree the Z will have a bit more wiggle room when modding more extensively and increasing boost. You are also right with the thought that the motor will definitely cost more to rebuild/replace than the FD.

Remember the Z32 is also another older car and will come with the same reliability related age issues the FD has.

I agree with mahjik, if you want a Z to DD, then find a nice used 350. They can be had now pretty cheaply. The motor is great, the handling feels a lot like the Z32 (heavy and understeers), and the interior is really set up nicely. I really like mine though I wish I had more space.

MR_Rick

iTrader: (7)

I had a 350Z as a DD. If it wasn't for the lack of room and stiff suspension, I would still have it. It gave me great gas mileage and when I drove it from SoCal to here it was great. I average about 35 mpg. It sounds great too with just taking the rear muffler off . Just avoid MY 03, special or anniversary editions MY 05 and MY 06. 03 have tranny issues and 05 and 06 have oil consumption issues.

300ZX are a PITA to work on and a bit more maintenance involve than the 350Z. The 350Z is one of the easiest car I have worked on.

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

I've had a 93 twin turbo for a couple of months.

It was slightly modded but had low miles (52k) so it was still kept in excellent condition.

The only thing that would be a concern in owning one, especially a twin turbo model, is the maintenance. Anything and everything you need to do mechanically to the car will be time consuming.

If you think working on the FD is bad, the Z is far worse IMO.

As far as performance, the Z, well my Z is FAR more practical in a daily driver sense. My FD is non seq so having to rev to 5 grand each gear to keep up with traffic does get annoying, especially if you have an exhaust and it seems like you are racing people. But thank god i dont do city driving anymore in the FD and if i do, its for a short period, just to get home. I mostly take it out on the highways now. Much more comfortable and enjoyable, for me and the car

The Z has ALOT more low end torque thanks to the V6 engine plus the turbo(s).

I sold the Z, not because i was tired of it or it broke but because i bought it with the intention of selling it to make money. The guy i bought it from was a doctor and he gave me a SUPER good deal. But unluckily for him, i made profit on the car and he didnt. I sold it 3x the amount i paid for.

A pic of it for reference.



Btw, the interior layout of the Z is HORRIBLE. The FD interior is 1000000000x better. Notice i said layout and not quality. Both have crappy quality but the FD interior layout is just better. More modern and racerish like.

DrewS2k

iTrader: (3)

ive had both both are excellent cars but really different, the ttz felt more like a cruiser more comfy on the freeway where as the rx7 felt like a damn airplane fast as hell, but in a z going 130 feels like 100 where as going 130 in a 7 felt like 150mph just a total different feeling, the 300zx's have come along way now days and are making great power, my 300 had upgraded twins and believe me it was fast and they were just minor upgrades(fp super t28s) making about 430ish to the wheels but it holds its own both awesome cars id like to own both again soon

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

I was only thinking about someday adding a Z32 to the garage. As nice as the 350z and 370z are, their looks do not appeal to me. I'm sure it's a real nice car though. In my opinion auto designs are lacking right now. All the good stuff ended in the 90s. There are a few recent and current exceptions but those cars are out of the question for most of us and have so many driving aides that they lose their appeal on that end. I'm not even an old fogey but I'm starting to sound like my dad. I guess we all like what we grew up with when we first became away of cars. Late 80s and 90s were it for me.

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

Nice looking car. I can see it being a better daily driver. A little bigger, little more of a GT car. Every time I drive my FD I want to pop the hood and let it cool off. Probably not necessary but it's what I do every time I park in my garage. I think this forum is making me even more **** than I would normally be. I certainly do not want anything more difficult to work on.

adamrs80

iTrader: (7)

I'm am sure a little water injection would be very helpful while raising the boost in the 300zx. I wonder if it has caught on with those fellas, or the turbo cars...supra, 3000gt vr-4s, wrx, evo, for that matter. Now I'm getting off topic. I have enjoyed hearing from you guys on your zx experiences.

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

lol yeah i get that feeling too.

About a month ago, i hit 130 and it felt like i was doing like 150 or 160. Not that the car felt unstable but the car felt like it was going faster than it really was.

Then riding in my friends vette and him doing close to 150 (according to his vbox which is super accuate), it felt like we only did like 120.

Might be power difference because it didnt take long for him to hit 150 or it might be because i was riding passenger.

DarthNacho08

I like the z, but nowhere near the amount the fd excites me, i'd take the fd any day

1QWIK7

iTrader: (33)

It was/could be a better a daily driver.

It was more comfortable, has more room and has low end torque. All of which the FD doesnt have. lol

When driving the FD, it does make you more paranoid, especially the more you read that you have to learn or come across when owning these cars.

And yes i pop my hood after EVERY drive. I panic if i see the temp gauge go to 200F when its running and i hit the fans and i panic even more when the car is off and heatsoak brings temps to 220F. I run the fans on super high with the hood open lol. Til the temp goes to about 190F, then i shut the fans off and leave the hood up lol.

2RotorsNaDream

iTrader: (7)

Wow you are paranoid. I just drive it and park it when I'm done, no reason for all that other stuff.

TrboSpdAnt

iTrader: (5)

I've owned and driven both the FD and the Z32 and I can agree with most of what's being said.

Like Mahjik said, way up where, it's a different class of car, altogether. The powerband is OBVIOUSLY different (Hmm. Let's figure this one out: 1.3L Wankel vs. a 3L V6), but the first thing you notice is the Power:Weight. The FD feels more responsive, overall and not just in that department.

Trying to track both is the obvious point, taking on both the responsiveness of the power, as well as the suspension. The FD's suspension is a bit more substantial FEELING (due to spring-rates vs. chassis weight), but balance is definitely a key indicator between.

Ironically, I had this same conversation with someone yesterday, about him trading his FD for a Z32.

Since he's a bit of a stunod, I put it in the $/hp standard and told him that if you were shooting for, say 600 horse, that the Z32 would be cheaper, in the long than the FD (as anyone who's ever had an FD built that high, what it cost them ).

In the end, I think you should take the logical course of action:

Find someone who'd got a Z32 of the same modification level, age, mileage, etc as your FD and drive it. Hop from one to the other, using different driving styles, with both.

When the dust settles, you'll have a better idea of your preference.

OmgitsRAZ

Z32's are really slow until you put an RB engine in it like I did. Then it becomes a BEAST! [IMG][/IMG]