What's your 2nd choice after a Z, and how does it compare?

Ventruck

I was only in the market for a used Z, so my selection wasn't as grand as other posters:

Camaro SS — too common (albeit maybe they're mostly R/S models), the recent revisions would make me feel like crap about buying an older model.

Challenger — over time it was SRT or bust. Incentive was that my dad likes the car and might've chipped in, but at the same time I'm not for "sharing" a car

Cayman — S in the budget wasn't happening. Didn't want to find myself buying a Cayman for the sake of having a Porsche. I assume many Boxter owners are like that. Didn't want to take on the presumed expenses for a car I "settled" with. IMS-era models were the only ones in my budget too.

New Miata — Possible lead time and how it was on the upper side of my budget (not to mention the RF model I lusted being way out there) cut it off. Knew I would've also wanted to do something about the power sooner than later.

New(-ish) BRZ — this was very possible. It surely would've been "settling" in my mind, but if I couldn't find a preferred car at the right price this would've been it. It was a last option because I felt I could get so much more (used) car for the money.

Not really fair to judge this in hindsight, but in my particular situation the Z was just miles ahead in being a deal. Package and condition for the money were so hard to beat.

DavidZ370

17 wrx sti, its a beauty, not as fast up top but in the twisties its no competition.
(stock for stock) love the fact that with a few k i can make over 50-70 awhp and 60-80 more awtq. I loved my Z and hoping i can jump on a used one in a few.

Redglare

It was between a used Z or a new Wrx;

ended up getting a mint touring sport for a good deal, gona drive it a few years and see if subaru will throw a new engine in the Sti.

Rocxtar

Subbie is always a nice choice. I had an 04 WRX and now 11. They are fun and dependable. As for performance, you don't think a stock STI is as fast as a 370z? Either way I love both cars!

ZeeBabar

After a 2006 350z, a 2009 370z, a 2013 370z and a 3014 370z sports package, I traded to a Mazda Miata MX5 Grand Touring.

While I miss the power, the comfort and such, I hate to say this but there is absolutely no car that is as much fun to drive as the new Miata. At under 65 mph, the 370z or the Corvette is actually quite boring. The Miata is much more fun.

I had taken to driving the 370Z at high speeds on highways, to zip in and out of traffic, to do whatever I could to feel its greatness. The Miata feels fast at lower speeds and the handling and turning is amazing. You enjoy it so much more on city streets and everyday driving.

rwnielsen

Porsche GT3 RS 4.0
Just a smidge out of my price range. Raw, noisy and fast.

King

I've been a real Nissan Fan Forever, owned 3 Generations of Frontier (well 2 and a Hardbody) Spent a lot of time with my friends and all their fast cars, When i Decided to buy a car I looked at lot, but with an underlying Nissan bias. Considered a BMW and a used Audi S5, almost pulled the trigger on a New 16 STI. Then I test drove a 370, I didn't like the styling for years, but I was a huge fan of the 350. That got me hooked on the VQ, but I was kinda set on AWD, and was looking for a G37x Coupe, but they are kinda rare and actually kind of expensive.
I was really considering a G37x but it was in reno and $28k (with 68k), but when I saw the 370 I bought for only $27k with 13k on it I was done...

tldr; G37x coupe or 16+ STI

kenchan

it was between a S2K CR, new STI hatch at the time for me when i was shopping for my Z.

STI was fun, but my right knee kept hitting the steering column during heel toe so no go.

S2K was proven tech, but kinda dated by 2009.. and kinda slow for my area with mostly straight roads. did not look back after getting the Z.

if i was shopping for a 370Z today, i wouldnt know wat to compare it with.. but in the price range for high perf compact cars made in japan, i would definitely consider the current gen STI... or wait for the 18's as they come with a refresh and carplay and such. i have a 16' sitting next to my Z in my garage and it is excellent.

Zoren 370

Hands down no comparison but I still love my Z thats why I kept it.

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Ghostvette

I learned to drive on a 71 240Z and I've wanted a Z since then. When I bought my Z, I drove everything from a Pontiac Solstice to the 2013 Civic. While there are not many Solstices on the road, the car is underpowered, IMO.



Next car will probably be a Cayman S. There are way too many Camaros, Corvettes & Moostangs around here.....

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2015 Magma Red 6MT Sport Tech/2012 Fairlady MB 6MT Base (RIP 08032018)https://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/370Z/Coupe/

Danthe370zman

2nd choice was Subaru WRX. Reasons for going with the Z over the WRX. Owning two other sedans, one is a 16 Impreza, insurance premium being noticeably higher on the WRX over the Z and I just like 2 seats 2 doors and RWD better.

Zala

My 370Z kind off is my second car...

I traded my first 370Z (2010 model) for an NC Power Hardtop Miata. Like the person I've quoted, I did miss the power my Z had. I sorted out the miata with forced induction and tighter suspension. It simply outperforms the Z now and drops the top, so it's my #1. Still, I'm upgrading the Miata further (swapping in an EFR turbo) and it's at my tuner's shop, so I wanted something a little more tame for the streets that I can count on to be decently quick without mods and still give me that 2 seater experience I prefer for my sport cars (don't like 2+2 coupes). The 370z is the only car that fits that bill for not too much cash, so I have one again and enjoy every moment I drive it.

My #3 is my Focus ST. It's fun too, but it wears the UHP All-Seasons, gets the rain/ice duty, handles the Costco runs, carries my +2/3's, and carries my spare tire to the tire shop when I have a flat on the Z/Miata that needs repair.

Ultimately, there's a lot of good stuff to drive out there and feel very fortunate I get to try a few that really work for my tastes.

kittens

when I got my Z in 2013 I was considering cars such as:

Infiniti G37x coupe
Mercedes CLK550
BMW 335i
Hyundai Genesis Coupe

I told myself - who is going to sit in those back seats anyway? went with the Z. only regret is not getting a stick shift. It was my only car up until last year, picked up a beater. Now I can really go for something impractical. I hope to get a C7 corvette next, really want a viper but am sure maintenance/warranty will be a killer. I hope used Z06 prices fall a bit more.

madeinjapan

not for back seats but for awd

kenchan

but do those g37x come with an open diff or..?