Tuning the Which is better the 350Z or 370Z

"We compare the 350Z and 370Z to see the pros and cons of each"

The 370Z is newer so does that mean it is better?

Many think of the 370Z as being a mk2 350Z improving on the previous model, but is this a fair comparison?

The 370Z has better styling than the 350Z, advances in trim, suspension, engines, lights and chassis design have all helped improve the winning formula of the 350z!

The 350z is very equipped from the factory with power and excellent handling characteristics and made it's mark on the automotive world.

The mid cycle 350Z facelift model left much untouched but tweaks were made to the engine giving a much wider power band. This answered a criticism of the original. True to the Z heritage the 350z has become a cult car in it's own time.

The 2007 VQ35HR had a higher redline and produced more peak power and had a better Torque band.

Interior wise the 370Z feels more grown up, executive and dare we say it luxurious.

The 370Z is lighter than is predecessor and feels a lot more nimble in the corners than the 350z.

Criticisms of it's earlier brother includes a lack of low down power which has been addressed to a large degree in the 370z with revised engine, all new intake headers and exhaust manifold design.

Power and gearbox improvements

350Z boasted a not unreasonable 308bhp with the 370Z coming along with between 330 and 350bhp.

The 370z gearbox came with an extra 2 gears and featured a rev up on down change feature.

We would argue that a good driver does this anyway and does not need help, but it is an unusual feature on a production performance car.

If the 370Z is such an improvement then why would you buy the 350z?

The VQ35DE engine has been around longer than the VQ37VHR so benefits from a wider range of performance parts.

This actually makes sense from a tuning point of view meaning you get more power options at a lower price with a 350z

See our engine tuning guide to see what's possible on this great Nissan engine.

VQ35DE tuning guide

Read our comprehensive guide to tuning modifying and improving the Nissan VQ35DE.

We include tips on adding turbos, and tuning the engine and a look at weak spots in this engine and how you can address those.

The 350z is also much cheaper to buy in the first place, meaning you get a serious amount of car and performance for your money.

We have more fun driving the 350z it seems so much more raw and engaging and track focused.

However if you are looking for a semi practical sports car for commuting then the 370Z makes more sense here.

You might want to read more about the tuning options for each car before you make a final decision but for us, if we were looking for a value for money project car the 350Z would be our choice.

Tuning guides for the 350Z vs 370Z

TorqueCars have written a couple of popular tuning guides for the 350Z and 370Z which make for an interesting comparison.

Your choice of which car is better has a lot to do with your requirements, needs and expectations.

My decision is based on building a great track day car and getting the most smiles from my money.

• • Tuning the Nissan 350z for more bhp power

• Nissan 350z Tuning Tips “The “Z” is presumably for Zoom.”
• A stunning piece of machinery from the Nissan Stable the 350Z was a return to form for the Nissan Z cars.

• Nissan 370z Tuning
• The 370z is a good car tuning project to play with. Nissan took all the best bits of the 350z, improved the weak spots and produced the stunning 370z.
• Criticisms of it’s earlier brother includes a lack of low down power which has been addressed to a large degree in the 370z.

When NISMO get hold of a car they really tweak and improve things and their efforts can be seen in the NISMO 370Z giving more power, better handling and new transmission.

When they did this to the NISMO tuned 350Z *(the Type 370RS) we see some impressive power gains (reaching 348hp) on the race version it hit around 400ps, and I would argue they made a better track day car than the 370Z.

I'll be interested to read your comments on this debate and I note that at the time of writing we have more members with a 350Z than a 370Z but it will be interesting to see if this carries out over the years to come.

This article was written by Waynne Smith on TorqueCars, and I appreciate your feedback and suggestions. This entry was filed under Nissan. You can leave a response below or join TorqueCars forum to discuss this article and car modification in detail with our members.

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