Nissan gets it. The 350Z traces its affordability and performance roots all the way back to the formula originally created by the 240Z in 1970. This combination has proven effective, putting Nissan back on the enthusiast podium for the second year running. And this year's Z is perhaps the best performance value to be had under 30 large.
This statement is especially true for those who like their performance in a svelte two-door coupe rather than the four-door sedans so commonplace in today's budget performance wars. More importantly, it offers the classic front-engine, rear-drive formula, which has been absent for too many years in this price range and is an absolute must for powerslides.
This is a driver's machine, with the power delivery of a nuclear freight train, respectable grip and decent balance. Nissan has tuned the chassis conservatively so it's not easy to blast through on ramps with the rear tires blazing and slip into traffic sideways. Instead, the Z offers moderate understeer at low speed, which translates to awesome grip and confidence when speed climbs. The Z will find nirvana on any road with sweeping curves and deserted straights.
And it has huge aftermarket potential. Cams, headers, intakes and exhaust all make mild power increases and the Z is still relatively young in the aftermarket. With years left for power formulas to be written, the potential is huge. Plus, with at least four companies already offering forced induction kits, 12-second quarter-mile performance for less than 40 grand isn't out of the question.
The Z's chassis responds impressively to mods as well. With better-than-average stock damping and spring rates, the most cost-effective changes can be made inexpensively. Adjustable anti-roll bars do wonders to the Z's low speed manners if you're one of those car geeks that must drive sideways. Huge wheels and sticky tires complete the budget upgrade for handling numbers in Porsche and Ferrari territory.
The best part might be the Z's wide range of packages and pricing. The base model, which excludes some fundamentals like a limited-slip differential, starts at $26,370, but still offers the same great drivetrain of every other model-and it's the lightest. Our choice is the enthusiast package, which delivers Nissan's viscous limited-slip differential and xenon headlights. The performance model adds 18-inch wheels and tires for a total of $30,530.
Continue up the food chain and you'll pour on luxury amenities like a 240-watt Bose audio system and heated seats and mirrors in the Touring model for a total of $31,690. The Z tops out at $34,180 with the Track Package, which adds forged Volk wheels and 12.7-inch Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers.
Our test car, a touring model, ran the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 99.1 mph and stopped from 60 in 119 feet. Not bad for 30 grand. Bottom line? The Z gets back to Nissan's performance roots in a way that should make all enthusiasts proud. -Josh Jacquot
The StatsBase Price:$26.370Price As Tested:$33,2800-60 mph:5.9 sec.1/4 Mile:14.1 sec. @ 99.1mphSlalom:70.3 mph (700 ft.)\Skidpad:.89g (200 ft.)60-0 Braking:119 ft.
Nissan 350zBest feature: Big, torquey V6 with power and personality to spare. The VQ35DE is the quintessential Z engine.
Worst feature: Weight. The Z simply isn't light. At 3,247 lbs in six-speed manual Enthusiast Package trim, it's a bit portly as true sports cars go.
First Three Things We'd Modify:1: DifferentialThe Z's stock viscous limited slip isn't durable enough for hard use with sticky tires. Replacing it with a clutch type limited slip allows serious driving.
2: TiresBig, sticky tires push the Z to more than 1.0 g lateral acceleration with only a few other mods.
3: Anti-Roll BarsntialThose few other mods are anti-roll bars if you want your Z to match our project car's skidpad numbers.