First off, I have a 2004 6 speed. I really do like the car in a lot of ways, but can’t say I am as passionate about it as I have been about other cars I have owned.

I am considering trading it in for a 2007 and up 350Z

I have to let u know that the car I traded in for the xfire was a 2003 350Z. The reason I got rid of it primarily was its “coffee grinder” engine. Once the engine exceeded 3000 rpm it sounded like it was getting closer and closer to exploding. The car was torquey and noticeably faster than the xfire, but I hardly ever really wrung it out, because I couldn’t bear the accompanying clatter from the engine.

Apparently the 2007 and up 350Z has a new VQR engine that is 80% new and noticeably smoother. I have yet to test drive one yet and aiming to do so in the near future.

Just thought I would check in with the knowledgeable group here on any relevant views and experiences.

Cheers

 

I had a new '03 track model 350z and sold it for the '04 Crossfire coupe, I got another Crossfire this time a SRT6 and changed the shocks for a less choppy ride and would never consider another z. Maybe a BMW or Benz coupe.

 

Going by your screen name, and your past history, and your lack of passion for the Crossfire, I'd say you would be happier with your Z-Car brothers.

 

Some like to downgrade. There's nothing wrong with that.

 

Go ahead. I'll see you in my rearview mirror. Or, on the side of the road.

 

an 07+ Z will be practially double what you will get for your car, definately not worth it to me. Its up to you though, if you dont mind paying $12k (or more) to go a little faster and blend in a little more, thats your call. They have worse interiors than crossfires, worse ride and are heavier.

 

My opinions:

Man, there is so much that is good about the new Z's, but those interiors are pretty terrible.

I think a G35 is a much better car than the Z, just from a build quality standpoint. But even the G35/G37 interior feels kind of cheezy.

The best interior is in the Porsche and Audis, next up probably the BMW. The Japanese cars overall look like they're still living in the late nineties, except for the Honda Civic, which makes you feel like you're "living in the future".

 

All i do know for a fact is that my srt absolutly smoked and embarassed a brand new nizmo 350z.it may sound fast with the beer can exhaust on it,as the guy seemed to enjoy revving it up at a stoplight.but in my opinion its pretty much a ladies car.you can get a srt for about 1/2 what you would pay for a new nizmo.

 

At this point the only car that I even consider other than the crossfire is the beautiful M3! Feels so good just to say M3 lol.

 

I would consider it. I have been much more impressed with the newer Z cars than the xfires. You can't beat the reliabilty of the Japanese cars either. The fit and finish of the Nissan/Inifintis are top-notch as well. It all comes down to personal choice.

 

^ troll alert!!

I came from a 2005 g35 coupe 6mt and wouldn't go back.

 

you cant beat the reliability of a japanese engine??? what is wrong with the german Merc engine again??

 

Yeah, that's why everyone complains about the cheap and ugly interior and the oil eating, rattling engines...

Trade up to an SRT, you'll find the passion I promise. That, and you will spend less, LOOK BETTER, Go Faster etc...

 

i'm no troll, but I have been less than impressed with my 2004 xfire. The engine is noisy, the suspension seems rattly, the car has the worst blind spot ever, and the interior parts just don't line up in some places. Oh, and the plastic piece that the shifter boot is connected to is loose. On top of that, this car has the WORST cup holder ever and why is the mirror control in the middle of the car?!?!

I'm not saying it is a bad car, it's just hasn't met my expectations. (I still own it). I've owned BMW 3 series (my favorite car), a Volvo XC (for family duties), and two Infinities. The xfire has impressed the least. I bought into the whole "it's a mercedes" thing -- but in the end, it still seems like a Chrysler to me.

 

Whoa - feel the 350Z love, ouch.
I can't knock the Zs. I like them, in fact I almost bought a roadster before I bought the SRT6.
Pretty reliable, lots of mods/parts available, a loyal following, and so on.
Do what makes you happy.

 

Actually, the controls of the Crossfire are almost direct carryovers from the controls of the R170 SLK, and to understand WHY the R170 SLK did things the way it did, you have to look at the BMW Z3 (its primary competition at the time.) The ergonomics of the Z3 were very good - placing the window controls on the center console, along with the seat heaters and other controls made a lot of sense ergonomically - right next to the driver's right hand. The next logical extension was to take the last control on the door and move it to the center console, in this case, moving it behind the shifter. This places it at a central location relative to both mirrors, and has additional advantage - the passenger can now adjust all settings on the car for the driver.

The strange thing is that the R170 was the only car in the model line to carry over some of the BMW control designs. All of the other Mercedes vehicles went in a different direction. Even the new R171 has become "adopted" into the modern mercedes interior design.

It's something that you just have to understand to enjoy. And if you think that the Crossfire has weird control placement, try driving a Saab....

 

Two words - Edie Britt.

http://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_30392-N...dster-Z33.html

 

They kind of remind me of the old upside down bathtub Nash Ramblers. I guess I'm kind of dating myself. To each his (or her) own as they say.

 

Update

Just drove a 2007 350Z

funny the car feels less torquey than the crossfire, the new engine is much smoother, more of a revver, but has lost the instant torquey response of its predecessor.

I am holding with the xfire for now, driving a BMW 135i tomorrow...

 

As a former owner of a 350z.....the AC sucks, and it not that great of a car...but if you dont lovethe XF its not for you