I had the same dilemma that you are in a few years ago. It really came down to price. I saved myself 11 grand by going with a late model stang. Granted it was used but I could not be happier. I love the 350Z but for the money you could pick up an 03 or 04 Cobra and make it wicked fast. Just my two cents.
__________________
2002 Mustang GT 5 speed, daily driver, satin silver , air silencer delete, added K&N FIPK II CAI, Flowmaster 40 series mufflers, Mach one chin spoiler, Mach one grill, Diablo Predator 93 octane performance tune, Ford Racing springs, J&M subframe connectors
Wass up guys, I currently own a 2001 Mustang V6 but I am planning to buy a new car when I graduate this summer. If you were confused between buying a 2007 Mustang GT or a 2006 Nissan 350 Z. Which car would you go for, because I need to hear what you guys think because I am unable to make a decision because I love both cars, and my parents are telling me to buy the 350 because the Mustang GT is not good on gas, and they don't want me to keep spending money on refueling the Mustang every other day. Don't tell me to buy a 2007 Mustang V6 because I do not like their bodystyle
One option I may conisder is to buy the Z350 and keep my current Mustang and work on improving its speed, an make it look hotter
okay i don't think you should evan consider a 2005+ mustang stick with an 03-04 mustang if you get one. Consumer reports and msn autos show that the new mustang dosnt do that great kind of poor. But the 4.6 especialy the 03-04 has great reliablity. But so does the 350z. The Z does cost more becuase it competes with the stang GT. And the Z is less commen so you well be more unique with a Z. So for gas milage its probably better to get a Z. The mustang does sound great as far as the engine noise. You have really got to decide this one for yourself.
Overall, the 350Z is probably a "better" car. If you are just looking for the best overall sports car, stock vs. stock, the 350z handles better, is about as quick, and (sadly) is probably more reliable in the long run.
BUT -- it's not a Mustang. If you are a "Mustang person", you'll get tired of the 350Z. There is nothing like the sound and fury of a V8.
There is a built-in community with the Mustang. Case-in-point: You're a member of this site and you may belong to others; you likely go to Mustang Cruise nights and shows. There are Mustang clubs everywhere. There are Nissan Z clubs too, but nowhere near as many. And while a well modded Nissan Z attracts attention here-and-there, a bone-stock GT draws admirers and thumbs up everywhere.
This just shows you will be more unique with a 350Z. And if your more of a Z person stick with the Z. My dad has a Datsun(a nissan name they just changed it for a while)B210 77 still runs nicly it just shows that they are very reliable and last a long time.
Thanks guys for helping me out. I think I am going with the option I had in mind which was to buy a Z350, and to upgrade my current Mustang V6. Anyway I won't be deprived from driving a V8 Mustang because my brother has a 1998 V8 mustang.
I hope you enjoy whichever you decide to get man. both cars have great points, but you will be dissapointed in upgrading the Mustang V6 I think, unless you put a lot of money into it. Like I said though good luck - and let us know how it goes!
__________________
2003 Redfire Cobra
Steig stg 3 port w/ported TB plenum
Steeda Intake w/sniper tune
Mac O/R H-pipe w/flowmaster catback
Steeda Tri-Ax 315/35-17 Nittos
2.93 Pulley w/Even Flow Head Cooling Mod
LFP Dual pass Heat Exchanger
Spec 3 clutch w/fidanza flywheel
Why not go out an test drive both the 07 gt and the z. I have driven the z and must say that I was not impressed with it. There is nothing that can replace the feeling of the torque that pushes you back into your seat. While the Z's are nice rides, I would pick a mustang over it. Especially as a daily driver. It is roomier and can seat 4 people as opposed to the tiny two seater. And why would you consider upgrading the v6 stang? It takes alot of money to get those thing to be anything near quick. The mustang seems like a more econimcal / practical choice to me, especially if you are going to be modding it.
Either way, it will be an upgrade over the v6 you have now. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the car you pick.
-Edgar
__________________
1967 Mustang C Code Coupe
Warmed up 289
T-5 Conversion
9" Ford Trac-Lok
-----------------------------
2001 Mustang GT (Average DD w/ Bolt-Ons)
-----------------------------
1968 Mustang Coupe
On Going Project
I to would pick a 03-04 cobra. I know its not on your list but it would be the better pick. Insurance probably would not be much difference in them. You could leave the cobra stock and beat most things on the road. The Z is going to get beat by a lot of things, but would be fun to drive. You could probably find a cobra for around 20-25k which would be cheaper then the Z and the same as a new mustang. And the cobra is going to keep it's value better.
__________________
1998 GT Saleen replica
New forged internals w/cobra crank, TEA CNC ported heads w/ comp cams XE270AH, AccuFab throttlebody and plenum, Spec III clutch, TKO 600 trans, aluminum drive shaft, 3:73 gears, BBK long tube headers, 255lpm intank fuel pump, Dyno tuned, Polished Procharger D-1sc 12psi, 3 core intercooler. SVO hood and 18in Budnik wheels w/toyo tires. Caster/Camber plates BBK lowering springs. Car web page
Comp cams XE262AH,T-45 with tri-ax shifter for sale
well, well, well, i own both a 01 gt and 06 350z, and it all depends on what you want from a car, for just brut force i say the stang, but for nice speed and looks women drop ####### for its the z all the way, hope my wife doesnt read this I will never get to drive the z again. But anyway, I finally got to drive my z at the track and I pulled half a car on an 07 gt, could be the driver, could be the z is that fast.
I had an 03 Z prior to getting my 07 GT, I can honestly say the GT will take the Z if you're looking for raw horsepower. The previous posts regarding torque are very true. BUT, I never got so many compliments on a car for so long as I did with the Z... and, yes, z women seem to love it. I actually commuted in the Z 100 miles/days on the interstate and it was calming knowing I could pass slower traffic with ease... on the shoulder. Kidding. Really.
On the practical side, I didn't drive the Z much becasue it didn't have a back seat. You'd be surprised how many times you need to take 2 people to lunch or somewhere - I couldn't drive. The GT has a small backseat, but it is EXTREMELY valuable when it comes to a 3rd person or luggage. The rear strut in the Z also destroyed hatch space where the GT has a descent trunk.
Coming from a man with an 8 month old daughter, a back seat in a necessity.
I do like the 350 Z's, they are sharp, handle great, and are fairly powerful. But as others said much more bang for your buck with the Mustang and the HP you can add for the money is great. I added 78 HP for under $2,500.00 Also not having rear seats can really suck in some situations. Get the Mustang.
DW
__________________
2006 GT Premium 18"
JLT 2 CAI, SCT 2 Evo tune, LT Kooks headers, X-pipe, High-flow Cats, Borla S-type, Hurst Short Throw, Sequential, Tint, and 12" Stripes.
"All of us who are human beings are in the image of God. But to be in his likeness belongs only to those who by great love have attached their freedom to God."
Another thing I forgot to mention was that there was some issues with tire wear on the 350’s. This may have been fixed on the newer models. I am a fan of consumer reports, I do thing they are about as un-biased as it gets and they did not give very good ratings on the 350. Not the most reliable car Nissan makes.
DW
__________________
2006 GT Premium 18"
JLT 2 CAI, SCT 2 Evo tune, LT Kooks headers, X-pipe, High-flow Cats, Borla S-type, Hurst Short Throw, Sequential, Tint, and 12" Stripes.
"All of us who are human beings are in the image of God. But to be in his likeness belongs only to those who by great love have attached their freedom to God."
Another thing I forgot to mention was that there was some issues with tire wear on the 350’s. This may have been fixed on the newer models. I am a fan of consumer reports, I do thing they are about as un-biased as it gets and they did not give very good ratings on the 350. Not the most reliable car Nissan makes.
DW
the front tire wear and steering problem was on the 03 and 04 years...
Dont get me wrong the 350 is nice as my friend has one ... but i also like smacking his arse every time we run on the track.
__________________
03 GT Ragtop
Mach 1000
Interior Upgrade
17" 5-Spoke Bright Wheels
SLP exhaust, H pipe, 3.73's
Kenne Bell twin screw sc...etc.etc.etc
Borrow money from a pessimist, they don't expect it back.