[Chiznarles]

Here's the story. I had a 2004 STI. Loved it, but a few things bothered me:
1. The looks. No matter what it was still a grocery-getter with a few borderline over the top additions (Huge Wing, huge hood scoop).
2. The interior. Felt like an economy car that should cost $15k to $20k.
3. Rear seats did not fold down (couldn't haul my snowboards in the back)

I sold it last year in preparation for upcoming wedding costs and I've been driving around in a family Matrix which essentially is mine now.

Now after getting married, we figured out our finances and I can get a new car. I will still have the Matrix so hauling stuff is not an issue.

I've been shopping for a new 350z Touring (MSRP of $35,215 which I can get for $31,600, also they have 2.9% APR financing). The touring adds nice features from the base like LSD, Leather, power seats, heated seats, bluetooth, bose system with subwoofer. The stuff that just lets you enjoy being in the car a bit more. I know that in a straight line race the STI will dominate, but since I'm almost 30, that doesn't matter to me that much anymore. I test drove the 350z and it feels nice. It feels a bit heavy compared to the S2000 I test drove a few days earlier, but i think the roominess of the cabin and features compared to the s2000 make up for it.

I've recently talked down the price of a base model 2008 STI to $34k OTD (price = ~$31,100 which is about $2500 below INVOICE, they have 3.9% APR Financing). If you talked to me last year, I would've easily gotten the STI because I needed a car that was dual purpose: FUN + Utility.

Now I am just looking for a car for FUN only since I will still have a matrix.

Anyway, your thoughts?

[chargedvette02]

The 350z looks better than the STI.
The 350z has a nicer interior.

The STI will out perform the 350z in almost any competition you want except roll racing.



If you have already owned an STI then you shouldn't need to ask this question. After I got rid of my Corvette the 350z was one of the cars I was really looking at getting. I took it for a test drive and the car felt heavy and slowwwwwwwww. After test driving an STI I loved the turbo pop, the STI still felt slowwwwww but did seem quicker than the 350z. I'm a Nissan guy at heart but I would rather go back to my 1993 240sx over a 350z.

[Barrok]

Cause the 370z is right around the corner and you will be depressed but the 08 STI is a new model and faster

[ccc187307]

Cause you'd be a fool to do that!

[Rootus]

If I didn't need daily driving utility, and fun were my goal, I'd probably be shopping for a 1 or 2 year old C6.

[chargedvette02]

Originally Posted by Rootus

If I didn't need daily driving utility, and fun were my goal, I'd probably be shopping for a 1 or 2 year old C6.

Best advice evaaaaaaaaa. I'm the Corvette fanboy here, why didn't I think of that.

[Nerevar]

1: STI performs better
2: STI's a little more unique. 350z's are everywhere.
3: Better resale value on STI
4: STI has more cabin space
5: AWD vs RWD.
6: 350z strikes me as the "cant afford a Porsche" kind of car
7: 350z has a much cheaper interior (IMO)
8: 350z ride is uncomfortable for long drives/dd and more cabin noise.

[Ikon]

350z are nice interior is nice.. but for the price of the 350z you can get a vette

[Rum]

Meh. OP, I can see where you're coming from. Once you take utility out of the equation the choice between these two cars does become more difficult. No advice.

[06naSTI]

I really don't see what is so cool about the Z. they are uncomfortable imo. the sti is a far superior daily driver.

[SUBISHER07]

Love the styling cues on the Z's.
Was prepared to purchase one while I was on the hunt for new wheels.

I held out so that I could test drive an STi for the 1st time.

I WAS SOLD!

After the STi experience the Z felt heavy, rolled more in the corners etc.

I too am not taken @ all by the STi interiors, as my past few vehicles have been loaded. (Leather/Heat etc) but the STi just drew me in based on performance. Even when I bought the STi I still wasn't sold on the look, but now I get a huge erection every time I look @ it!

[Nerevar]

Honestly just go with what you enjoy driving more and which one you think looks more appealing. Because basically thats what it all comes down to with a weekend non tracked fun car anyways.

[Chiznarles]

Originally Posted by Nerevar

1: STI performs better

True. I know this and its not a priority anymore.

2: STI's a little more unique. 350z's are everywhere.

This is true also. One reason I'm leaning towards the STI

3: Better resale value on STI

Is this true? I think they are comparable but I could be wrong. Nonetheless, this is not an issue to me.

4: STI has more cabin space

Don't need cabin space

5: AWD vs RWD.

Non-issue

6: 350z strikes me as the "cant afford a Porsche" kind of car

HAHA, i hope not. What about STI? Sometimes it strikes me as a racer boy car. (Then again, 350z might be the same)

7: 350z has a much cheaper interior (IMO)

I'll have to disagree with you on this.

8: 350z ride is uncomfortable for long drives/dd and more cabin noise.

Probably true.

[DavidM17]

The Z is heavy, especially compared to an S2000. I've never liked the looks of the 350 for some reason. I have a 95 TT and it looks much better IMO. The 350 does look better than the STI, though. The interior on the 350 will be nicer as well. Since this is a fun car go with whichever you like the best. As for vettes, they are fast, but the interior is typical GM PoS. The S2000 would probably be the most fun to drive, but you have to rev the hell out of it to make it go, which can be annoying.

David

[wrxlep]

The 350Z is a nice car. My father owns one, he just bought a touring model as well. I drove it, and it is definitely slower than a STI. If that is not a priority for you, great. The STI is also more useful, and you will be able to take more than 1 passenger somewhere. Also, the rear hatch area on the Z is just about useless with that big brace in the back.

I would NOT buy a 350Z now because the all new model is coming in about a year.