Looking for insight from Z owners who also own a GT-R

Divexxtreme

Hi guys,

I've been considering getting a 'relatively' lightweight, RWD, 6-speed car to compliment my GT-R.

I'm pretty much all over the map with this; as I'm thinking about used Z06s, E92 M3s, 370Zs, '11 Mustang GT or Boss 302, 996 or 997 GT3, Cayman S, or Viper.

What I like about the Z is that every time I pass one...I catch myself turning my head to stare at it. I think it's very attractive car, especially with a nice set of wheels on it. I haven't test driven one yet, but I 'imagine' it's quite balanced, fairly quick, and gives good feedback to the driver. The cost of entry is quite nice as well.

Are there any Z owners on here who also own a GT-R? If so, how do you feel it compliments the GT-R? Are they a good garage combination?

Also, I have extensive experience with 911's, M3s, and Z06's...but have never driven a Viper or '11 Mustang. Keeping the price-points in mind, how do you guys who have experience with any of these other cars rate the Z overall?

For example, being as neutral as possible (ya, right), do any of you with personal experience believe a used '08 M3 worth the extra $20k over a Z? That's the type of information I'm looking for.

I do realize that this is a Z forum, and that my questions are covering a lot of ground...but I wanted to get opinions from those that live with a Z everyday.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

metz

A member here had both and made a comparison thread, here it is. Im not sure if that will help or not. There are a few people here with both I believe.
My Review: Nissan 370Z vs. Nissan GTR

Divexxtreme

Thank you. That was an 'interesting' review.

m4a1mustang

Where in VA are you? If you're up in NOVA you should swing by Fairfax next Saturday for our Z meet to check out some 370s and my 5.0.

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Divexxtreme

Thank you for the offer, but I'm in the Hampton Roads area. Around 3.5 hours away.

m4a1mustang

Ah no problem, man. Of the cars you listed, i would be all over the Viper... They are so badass.

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b1adesofcha0s

Oh that sucks. We were going to watch Fast Five at our next meet.

I don't own a GT-R (I do want it as my next car though ) but I guess the only advice I can give is to test drive it and see how you like it. Other things you might consider in your decision are whether or not you plan on doing any mods and to what extent if you are. Also what performance level are you after? A 370Z is at a way different level than a Z06, Viper, or GT3.

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ChrisSlicks

The Viper is badass, but don't think I would actually own one unless it was going to be a track car. No ABS, no traction control, brakes feel like there is a brick under the pedal, non-existant side windows, huge and hot center tunnel with horrible shifter placement.

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Divexxtreme

Modern Vipers have ABS, but no traction control. My last Porsche didn't have traction control either, so I'm fine without it.

I believe the '08 and newer cars addressed the center tunnel and shifter placement. But good points, though.

Divexxtreme

Varying performance levels. My GT-R isn't stock, so it will fully satisfy my big HP requirements.

I'm looking more for a car that I can shift on my own, weighs under 3600 lbs, is RWD, and provides good driver feedback. The Z06 is actually great fit. I may end up getting another one..but I'm open to other options as well, hence the reason I'm here.

The 6 GT3 may be a bit spartan for what I'm looking for, and the 7 GT3 is really pushing the price-point for a second 'fun' car. Not sure if it's worth it or not.

I'd say the current front runners are the 370Z, M3, and Z06...in no particular order.

b1adesofcha0s

Of those 3 I think the M3 is more of a luxury car than the other 2. If you want something fun to drive, I would go with either the 370Z or the Z06. I think you might like the Z06 better though for driving feel and feedback. I really don't have any experience with higher performance cars than the 370Z and I can't drive manual so I can't really say anymore than that. Good luck with whatever you get

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m4a1mustang

All of that makes my mouth water...

The 08+ are really nice.

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FL 4Motion

Well, my wife and I have owned 2 GTRs (an 09 and a 10) and now we have a 2010 Nismo Z as our "sporty" car.

I think if you're keeping the R35, then the Z will fit your bill quite nicely of providing a fun to drive vehicle and you can satisfy any desire to go super fast with the GTR.

Around town, the GTR is, as you know, not super engaging and can actually be frustrating at times since it always feels like it's just a hairs breath away from going super fast if you just push a little harder with your right foot.

The Z, being a manual and rwd, it def more engaging to drive around town etc in.

Haven't gotten the opportunity to track the Z at any HPDE events yet, (this summer hopefully) but our GTR's were tracked quite a few times and that is the venue where that car becomes, well, just amazing and quite frankly, a steall $$$ wise for what you get. But of course, you already knew that.

In sum, a Z would be a great compliment to your GTR and since the GTR already comes with such decent ammenities in the cabin (nav, leather etc), I vote for a Nismo Z to join it's ranks in your stable.

mikeSS

i would go with a boss or zo6.

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ImportConvert

I love my z06, but if I had a gtr, I would add a viper. I bought the z instead of a viper because it is more road trip friendly, but you have a gtr for that.