my 370z vs. my 2007 335 coupe...

john370z

I am not a professional writer but I feel I am partially qualified after 20 years of subscriptions to motor trend and all the similar magazines. I just took delivery of my yellow 2009 370z, sport/touring, auto. I also own a 2007 red 335i coupe loaded, auto. I have to say there are many unique differences. I also live at 5000 feet elevation. The elevation massively effects the personality of the two engines. Lets start off by talking about the two engines/tranny's. The BMW is still very torquey but it seems to confuse the auto-trans. Under partial throttle, it short shifts to second and uses its torque in the wider gear to move the car along. The result of the short shift is a jerky, awkward feeling that doesn't feel high performance. At full throttle, it pulls great at low RPS's but flattens out at the high RPM's. The Z is the opposite. Engine is more peaky and less torquey. No short-shofting in the Z. A very linier acceleration and better feel under less than full throttle. The Z is less powerful at this altitude and I would guess would need another 40hp to equal out. Probably a good intake and exhaust would do it.
The interior... The BMW obviously has more and probably better leather and appears nicer, but not better. The Z has a more sporty feeling and well placed leather. I feel the Z will be best liked by those sports minded and not image minded. The seats on the Z are awesome....for short drives. There is less padding on the seats on the Z and you will feel the plastic supports under the padding on long road trips. Standard equipment on the Z only comes with the premium and sport packages on the BMW. Looks.... I think the Z will get way more looks, then again I do have a yellow one...made for getting looks. BMW is more classic but the Z is clearly more sporty.
Handling is definitely better on the Z. Without a doubt! Confidence is high and the BMW just cannot match it. Same for the braking.
I hope this helps people who wish more more information about comparing the two cars..

PS I took a road trip with the Bel GX65, GPS radar detector. AMAZING!! Better than Valentine due to it's GPS abilities!