| Aspect | 350z | 370z |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Nissan sports coupe produced from 2002 to 2009 as the Z33 generation. | Nissan sports coupe produced from 2009 to 2020 as the Z34 generation. |
| Purpose | Delivers an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car aimed at budget enthusiasts. | Refines the formula with more power, sharper handling, and modern technology. |
| Engine | Uses a 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine producing approximately 287 horsepower. | Uses a 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6 engine producing approximately 332 horsepower. |
| Transmission | Offers a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard options. | Provides a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters or a revised 6-speed manual. |
| Horsepower | Outputs about 287 hp at 6,200 rpm in standard trim levels. | Outputs about 332 hp at 7,000 rpm, a gain of roughly 45 horsepower. |
| Torque | Generates approximately 274 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. | Generates approximately 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. |
| Redline | Rev limiter engages at approximately 6,600 rpm in manual models. | Rev limiter engages at approximately 7,500 rpm, enabling higher peak output. |
| Weight | Curb weight ranges from about 3,188 to 3,400 pounds depending on trim. | Curb weight ranges from about 3,232 to 3,400 pounds depending on trim. |
| 0-60 mph | Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.6 seconds. | Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.0 seconds. |
| Top Speed | Electronically limited to about 155 mph in most markets. | Electronically limited to about 155 mph, same governed ceiling. |
| Quarter Mile | Completes the quarter mile in roughly 14.1 seconds at 100 mph. | Completes the quarter mile in roughly 13.5 seconds at 104 mph. |
| Brakes | Uses 11.7-inch front and 11.5-inch rear vented disc brakes. | Uses larger 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear vented discs. |
| Suspension | Features independent double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension. | Retains double-wishbone front but adds revised geometry and stiffer bushings. |
| Steering | Uses hydraulic power steering with a fixed ratio of 16.0:1. | Uses hydraulic power steering with a quicker ratio of 15.0:1. |
| Wheelbase | Measures 104.3 inches between front and rear axle centers. | Measures 100.4 inches, a reduction of 3.9 inches for agility. |
| Length | Spans 169.7 inches from front bumper to rear bumper. | Spans 167.5 inches overall, slightly shorter than the predecessor. |
| Width | Measures 71.5 inches wide excluding exterior mirrors. | Measures 72.8 inches wide, adding 1.3 inches of track presence. |
| Height | Stands 52.7 inches tall with a lower center of gravity. | Stands 52.2 inches tall, marginally lower for improved aerodynamics. |
| Fuel Economy | Rated at approximately 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. | Rated at approximately 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. |
| Fuel Tank | Holds 20.0 gallons of fuel for extended driving range. | Holds 19.0 gallons of fuel, slightly smaller capacity overall. |
| Interior Tech | Offers basic audio, optional navigation, and analog gauge cluster. | Adds a standard touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a digital information display. |
| Safety | Comes with dual front airbags, ABS, and traction control only. | Adds curtain airbags, stability control, and optional rearview camera. |
| Seating | Provides 2+2 seating with cramped rear seats for occasional use. | Provides 2+2 seating but with reduced rear legroom due to shorter wheelbase. |
| Cargo Space | Offers 8.5 cubic feet of trunk space behind the hatch. | Offers 6.8 cubic feet of trunk space, a reduction of 1.7 cubic feet. |
| Trim Levels | Available as Base, Enthusiast, Touring, and Track models. | Available as Base, Touring, Sport, and Nismo performance models. |
| Nismo Variant | Nismo version boosts output to 306 hp with upgraded suspension. | Nismo version boosts output to 350 hp with extensive aero and tuning. |
| Reliability | Known for oil consumption issues in early VQ35DE engines. | Improved VQ37VHR engine reduces oil consumption and adds reliability. |
| Maintenance | Requires timing chain service less often but has gallery gasket concerns. | Requires regular oil changes; valve timing system is generally robust. |
| Aftermarket | Has a massive market for forced induction and drift builds. | Has growing support but fewer high-horsepower kits than the 350z. |
| Best For | Budget buyers seeking a cheap, modifiable platform for track use. | Drivers wanting a newer, faster, more refined daily-driver coupe. |
The 350z is a two-door sports car produced by Nissan from 2002 to 2009. It is the fifth generation of the Z-car line, offering rear-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and a near 50/50 weight balance. It exists to deliver affordable, high-performance driving.
The Nissan 350z is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer powered by the VQ35DE or VQ35HR V6 engine. It features a hatchback body style, available six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and an independent multi-link suspension. Its chassis, designated Z33, emphasizes balanced handling and accessible performance for everyday drivers.
| Characteristic | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| V6 Engine | Delivers 287 to 306 horsepower, giving strong acceleration from a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter powerplant. |
| Rear-Wheel Drive | Provides a classic sports car feel, with power sent to the rear wheels for controlled oversteer and rotation. |
| Hatchback Body | Offers a large cargo opening, making the coupe surprisingly practical for luggage and weekend gear. |
| Near 50/50 Balance | Positions the engine behind the front axle, improving turn-in response and cornering stability. |
| Six-Speed Manual | Gives the driver direct gear control with a short, mechanical shift action that enthusiasts prefer. |
| Independent Suspension | Uses double-wishbone front and multi-link rear setups, keeping tires planted over uneven pavement. |
| Lightweight Chassis | Weighs roughly 3,200 to 3,400 pounds, which aids braking, acceleration, and overall agility. |
| Brembo Brakes | Optional high-performance calipers resist fade during repeated hard stops on track days. |
| Drive-by-Wire Throttle | Uses electronic throttle control, which can feel slightly delayed compared to a mechanical cable system. |
| Aftermarket Support | Boasts a massive parts ecosystem, from turbo kits to coilovers, because of its long production run. |
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Offers strong V6 power at a low used-car price point, often under $10,000 for clean examples. | Suffers from poor rear visibility due to thick C-pillars and a small rear window, making parking difficult. |
| Delivers genuine rear-wheel-drive dynamics that teach drivers car control without electronic interference. | Has a cramped cabin with minimal headroom, uncomfortable for occupants over six feet tall. |
| Benefits from a huge aftermarket, so replacement parts and upgrades are cheap and widely available. | Prone to oil consumption issues in early VQ35DE engines, especially when driven hard or tracked. |
| Retains a timeless, muscular design that still looks modern compared to newer sports coupes. | Lacks modern safety features like side airbags on early models, reducing crash protection. |
| Provides a raw, mechanical driving experience with a naturally aspirated engine that revs eagerly. | Rides harshly on rough roads, with a firm suspension that transmits every bump into the cabin. |
| Features a practical hatchback design, offering more cargo space than a traditional coupe trunk. | Has a dated interior with hard plastics, cheap switchgear, and a poorly placed cup holder. |
| Responds well to modifications, with simple bolt-ons like exhausts and intakes yielding noticeable gains. | Transmission synchros fail on high-mileage cars, causing grinding when shifting into second or third gear. |
| Offers a limited-slip differential on many trims, improving traction during hard cornering and launches. | Gets poor fuel economy for a small car, often returning only 18-22 mpg in mixed driving. |
| Holds value reasonably well for a 15-year-old vehicle, especially low-mileage Nismo and Track editions. | Uses a drive-by-wire throttle that feels laggy, reducing throttle response compared to cable-operated systems. |
| Provides a strong community of owners and forums, making troubleshooting and DIY repairs easier. | Has weak paint and thin clear coat, which chips easily and fades quickly under sun exposure. |
The 370z is Nissan's sixth-generation Z-car sports coupe, produced from 2009 to 2020. It delivers a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine with rear-wheel drive. Nissan built it to succeed the 350z with sharper handling, more power, and a more modern interior.
The 370z is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-seat sports coupe powered by the VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V6 engine. It features a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match. Its shorter wheelbase and lighter weight distinguish it mechanically from its 350z predecessor.
| Characteristic | What It Means in Practice |
|---|---|
| 332 horsepower | Delivers 27 more horsepower than the 350z for stronger straight-line acceleration. |
| 3.7-liter V6 | Uses the VQ37VHR engine with variable valve timing for broad torque delivery. |
| Shorter wheelbase | Measures 100.4 inches, which improves turn-in response and overall agility. |
| SynchroRev Match | Automatically blips the throttle on downshifts for perfectly matched revs. |
| Seven-speed automatic | Offers quicker shifts and better highway fuel economy than the 350z's five-speed. |
| Lighter curb weight | Weighs roughly 3,232 pounds, about 100 pounds less than the 350z. |
| Aluminum doors | Uses lightweight aluminum panels to reduce mass and lower the center of gravity. |
| Double-wishbone front | Provides superior camber control during hard cornering compared to strut designs. |
| Redesigned interior | Features a lower seating position and higher-quality materials than the 350z. |
| Active sound enhancement | Pipes engine intake noise into the cabin for a more aggressive driving experience. |
| Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Delivers engaging rear-wheel-drive handling with a well-balanced 48/52 weight distribution. | Has a cramped cabin with minimal storage space and no rear seats for passengers. |
| Offers a high-revving naturally aspirated V6 with linear power delivery. | Returns poor fuel economy, averaging only 19 mpg combined in real-world driving. |
| Provides excellent value with strong performance for a relatively low purchase price. | Suffers from dated infotainment technology that lacks modern smartphone integration. |
| Features a robust aftermarket parts community for performance and cosmetic upgrades. | Has limited outward visibility due to thick C-pillars and a high rear deck. |
| Uses proven VQ engine architecture with a reputation for high-mileage reliability. | Produces a harsh ride on rough roads because of its firm sport-tuned suspension. |
| Includes SynchroRev Match, which makes heel-toe downshifting effortless for novices. | Has a small 4.1-cubic-foot trunk that struggles to fit even a single golf bag. |
| Maintains strong resale value compared to many other Japanese sports cars. | Lacks modern safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. |
| Offers a manual transmission option in an era when few sports cars still provide one. | Has a heavy clutch pedal and notchy shifter that can feel tiring in stop-and-go traffic. |
| Delivers sharp steering feedback with a quick 15.0:1 steering ratio. | Produces significant road and wind noise at highway speeds due to minimal sound deadening. |
| Provides strong track capability straight from the factory with staggered tires. | Has a dated exterior design that remained nearly unchanged for its entire 12-year run. |
| Shared Aspect | How 350z and 370z Are Alike |
|---|---|
| Core Purpose | Both the 350z and 370z are two-seat sports cars built primarily for rear-wheel-drive driving enjoyment. |
| Vehicle Category | The 350z and 370z both belong to Nissan's Z-car lineage of affordable performance coupes. |
| Engine Layout | Both the 350z and 370z use a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout for balanced handling. |
| Transmission Choice | The 350z and 370z each offered buyers a choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. |
| Brand Heritage | Both the 350z and 370z carry the iconic Z badge that originated with the Datsun 240Z. |
| Target Buyer | The 350z and 370z both appeal to enthusiasts seeking a Japanese sports car on a budget. |
| Body Style | Both the 350z and 370z are offered exclusively as a 2-door coupe or a convertible roadster. |
| Seating Capacity | The 350z and 370z both provide seating for only two occupants with no rear seats. |
| Drive Wheels | Both the 350z and 370z send power exclusively to the rear wheels for sporty handling. |
| Fuel Type | Both the 350z and 370z require premium unleaded gasoline for their high-compression engines. |
| Steering Feel | The 350z and 370z both deliver direct hydraulic steering feedback that enthusiasts praise. |
| Aftermarket Support | Both the 350z and 370z have massive aftermarket catalogs for performance and styling parts. |
| Track Capability | Both the 350z and 370z are capable weekend track cars straight from the factory. |
| Daily Usability | The 350z and 370z both function as practical daily drivers with adequate cargo space. |
| Reliability Record | Both the 350z and 370z have solid reputations for long-term mechanical reliability. |
| Maintenance Cost | Both the 350z and 370z have lower maintenance costs than most European sports cars. |
| Owner Community | The 350z and 370z both share a large, active online enthusiast community. |
| Customization Ease | Both the 350z and 370z are easy to modify with simple bolt-on performance upgrades. |
| Resale Value | Both the 350z and 370z hold value well due to strong enthusiast demand. |
| Insurance Group | Both the 350z and 370z fall into similar insurance categories for sports coupes. |
| Safety Equipment | The 350z and 370z both include standard airbags, ABS brakes, and traction control. |
| Production Era | Both the 350z and 370z were produced during Nissan's modern sports car revival. |
| Driving Position | Both the 350z and 370z feature a low-slung cockpit with a driver-focused layout. |
| Sound Character | Both the 350z and 370z produce a distinctive V6 exhaust note that fans love. |
| Upgrade Path | Both the 350z and 370z respond well to forced induction for significant power gains. |
| Racing Pedigree | Both the 350z and 370z have competed in professional drifting and road racing series. |
| Parts Availability | Both the 350z and 370z have plentiful new and used parts available globally. |
| Performance Tuning | Both the 350z and 370z can be tuned with aftermarket ECU remaps for extra power. |
| Cultural Status | Both the 350z and 370z are recognized icons in the JDM and import car culture. |
| Long-Term Outlook | Both the 350z and 370z are expected to continue appreciating as modern classics. |
Your budget and your intended use decide this. The 350z wins for buyers under roughly $15,000 who want a proven drift or track platform. The 370z wins for daily drivers who demand a newer interior, stronger brakes, and a more rigid chassis from the factory.
Choose 350z when your budget is under $15,000 or you plan to heavily modify the car. The older platform leaves more cash for forced induction, suspension, and roll cages. It also suits weekend drifters who expect crashes and prefer cheaper replacement panels and engines.
Choose 370z when you will drive it daily or you want to keep it mostly stock. The 370z delivers 332 horsepower versus 287, a faster-revving VQ37VHR engine, and a stronger synchro-rev match transmission. It also provides a stiffer chassis and better factory brakes for track days without upgrades.
| Common Myth | The Reality |
|---|---|
| The 350z and 370z share the exact same VQ engine. | The 350z uses the VQ35DE or VQ35HR, while the 370z uses the VQ37VHR with VVEL variable valve lift. |
| The 370z is just a rebadged 350z with new lights. | The 370z has a shorter wheelbase, a completely redesigned chassis, and a stiffer body structure than the 350z. |
| Both cars have identical horsepower from the factory. | The 350z produces 287-306 hp, while the 370z produces 332 hp, a gain of roughly 26-45 hp. |
| The 370z transmission is the same unit as the 350z. | The 370z uses a newer 7-speed automatic or a refined 6-speed manual, whereas the 350z used a 5-speed auto or 6-speed manual. |
| You can swap 370z bumpers directly onto a 350z. | The 370z has a wider front track and different fender contours, so 350z body panels do not align with 370z bumpers. |
| The 350z handles better because it is lighter than the 370z. | The 370z weighs about 100-150 lbs more, but its stiffer chassis and revised suspension deliver superior cornering grip. |
| Both cars use the same rear differential gearing. | The 370z uses a 3.69 final drive ratio, while the 350z typically uses a 3.54 or 3.36 ratio depending on transmission. |
| The 350z has a larger trunk than the 370z. | The 370z actually offers more cargo space at 6.8 cubic feet, compared to the 350z's 4.2 cubic feet. |
| Oil gallery gasket failure only affects the 350z, not the 370z. | The 370z VQ37VHR also suffers from oil gallery gasket failure, especially on 2009-2012 models with high mileage. |
| The 370z steering feel is identical to the 350z. | The 370z uses a hydraulic power steering system with a quicker 15.0:1 ratio, while the 350z has a slower 16.0:1 ratio. |
| Both cars rev to the same redline from the factory. | The 350z redlines at 6,500-7,000 rpm depending on year, while the 370z revs to 7,500 rpm thanks to VVEL technology. |
| The 350z and 370z have identical wheel bolt patterns. | Both use a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern, but the 370z has a different offset and hub bore, so wheels are not always interchangeable. |
| Galley gasket failure is the only major engine issue on both cars. | The 350z VQ35DE also suffers from rear timing chain cover oil leaks, while the 370z VQ37VHR has fewer timing chain issues. |
| The 370z is significantly faster in a straight line than the 350z. | The 370z hits 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the 350z does it in 5.4-5.9 seconds, a modest but real gap. |
| Both cars have the same brake rotor size from the factory. | The 370z uses larger 14.0-inch front rotors, while the 350z uses 12.8-inch front rotors, improving stopping power on the 370z. |
| The 350z is more reliable because it has a simpler engine. | The 350z VQ35DE has more reported oil consumption issues, while the 370z VQ37VHR is generally more robust if properly maintained. |
| You can use 350z coilovers on a 370z without modification. | The 370z has different suspension mounting points and a wider track, so 350z coilovers require custom fabrication to fit. |
| The 370z interior is exactly the same as the 350z. | The 370z has a redesigned dashboard, different gauge cluster, and higher-quality materials compared to the 350z cabin. |
| Both cars have the same fuel economy ratings. | The 350z gets 19-20 mpg combined, while the 370z gets 20-21 mpg combined, making the 370z slightly more efficient despite more power. |
| The 350z has a better aftermarket because it is older. | The 370z has a larger modern aftermarket for forced induction kits, while the 350z relies on older, less refined turbo options. |
| Both cars use the same clutch and flywheel assembly. | The 370z uses a larger 240mm clutch disc, while the 350z uses a 230mm unit, so the parts are not interchangeable. |
| The 370z has a softer ride than the 350z. | The 370z has firmer dampers and a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, delivering a harsher but more controlled ride than the 350z. |
| Both cars suffer from the same steering rack failure rate. | The 350z has more reported steering rack leaks, while the 370z steering rack is more durable but still prone to wear at high mileage. |
| The 350z and 370z share identical front brake calipers. | The 370z uses 4-piston Akebono calipers on Sport models, while the 350z uses sliding single-piston calipers on base trims. |
| Both cars have the same wheelbase measurement. | The 350z has a 104.3-inch wheelbase, while the 370z is shorter at 100.4 inches, improving agility for the 370z. |
| The 370z is just a heavier car with no real performance gain. | The 370z weighs more but has a 3.7-liter engine with VVEL, yielding a better power-to-weight ratio than the 350z. |
| Both cars use the same coolant system components. | The 370z has a larger radiator and a different thermostat housing, so cooling parts from a 350z do not bolt onto a 370z. |
| The 350z has a lower seating position than the 370z. | The 370z has a lower hip point and a more reclined seating angle, placing the driver closer to the ground than the 350z. |
| Both cars have identical exhaust manifold designs. | The 370z uses equal-length tubular headers, while the 350z uses cast iron log manifolds, giving the 370z better exhaust flow. |
| The 350z is cheaper to insure than the 370z. | The 370z often has lower insurance rates due to newer safety features, while the 350z is older and lacks stability control on early models. |
Difference Between 350z and 370z comes down to evolution. The 370z delivers more power, sharper handling, and a modern interior. Choose the 350z for its lighter feel and lower price. Choose the 370z for superior performance and daily usability.
## FAQ ### What is the main difference between a 350z and a 370z? The 370z is the newer model with a larger 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332 horsepower, while the 350z has a smaller 3.5-liter V6 with up to 306 horsepower. ### Which car is faster, the 350z or the 370z? The 370z is faster because its stronger engine and revised transmission allow a 0-60 mph time of about 4.8 seconds, compared to roughly 5.5 seconds for the 350z. ### Is the 370z more reliable than the 350z? Yes, the 370z is generally more reliable because its VQ37VHR engine avoids the oil consumption issues that commonly plague earlier 350z models. ### Are 350z and 370z parts interchangeable? No, most body panels, suspension components, and engine parts are not interchangeable because the 370z uses a completely different chassis and powertrain design. ### Which car is better for daily driving, a 350z or a 370z? The 370z is better for daily driving because its refined interior, improved sound insulation, and more modern electronics make it more comfortable for regular commutes. ### How much more expensive is a 370z than a 350z? A used 370z typically costs $5,000 to $10,000 more than a comparable 350z because it is newer and holds its value better in the used market. ### Can I switch from a 350z to a 370z without losing performance? Yes, you can switch without losing performance because the 370z offers more horsepower, better handling, and a stiffer chassis than the older 350z. ### What is the biggest beginner mistake when choosing between a 350z and a 370z? The biggest beginner mistake is ignoring the 370z's higher maintenance costs for brakes and tires, which are significantly more expensive than those on the 350z. ### Is the 370z safer than the 350z in a crash? Yes, the 370z is safer because it includes standard stability control, more airbags, and a stronger body structure that earned better crash test ratings. ### Which car is better for track days, the 350z or the 370z? The 370z is better for track days because its larger brakes, improved cooling system, and synchronized rev-matching transmission deliver more consistent lap times.