280ZX vs 280Z vs 350Z

[Bruce Woolmore]

I've noticed a lot of guys referring to their 280ZX's as a 280Z! now what is with that?? do they think there is no difference? or are they embarrassed to admit that they only own a 280ZX? :-)

..and if that doesnt start a flame war, I'll have another try - do you think that history will consider the 350Z to be an extension of the 300ZX line??after all it has that V6, not the nice inline six like the Skyline and proper Z!

[Alfadog]

Hi Bruce,

A lot of our American friends DO own 280Z's - they got a 2.8 litre six in the S30 bodyshape. Got big fat bumpers with 'em too! Just before the 280ZX came in... of course, there are also those who call their 280ZX's 280Z's... I don't know what that's about!

And yes, I think the 350Z is an extension to the "300ZX line". It's all a series, just that with this later one they changed direction a bit. Things change... in the right direction in this case!

[peterpit]

I have owned a 76, 85 Turbo, 91 NA and two weeks ago I bought a 2003 Touring. I have loved each and every one of them and all are from the same line IMO. I know many purists only take the 240z into consideration and even bastardize the 260 and 280. Many z owners do not have the time to search for that perfect 240z or they simply just want a car with all the modern luxuries (at least floor pans).

Until I can find and afford a perfect 1970 and have a garage that will store 3 cars, I will have to come to this site and envy all of yours. But for now I will have to settle for my 350z.

[oldroaddog]

I've haven't ever owned or much less driven any other Z Car other than my '75 280 so I'm unqualified to comment on the other models but I do know that my car is a pleasure to drive and own. It's interesting because last weekend a long-time car salesman saw my 280Z at a local antique car show and made the comment that it was "the best car ever manufactured and probably ever will be". I'm not sure he was referring to that particular year and model but coming from a guy who makes a living knowing cars - in the midst of hundreds of beautifully restored Chevys, Fords and all - I was very pleased with my choice.

[jackboxxx]

I've noticed a lot of guys referring to their 280ZX's as a 280Z! now what is with that?? do they think there is no difference? or are they embarrassed to admit that they only own a 280ZX? :-)

..and if that doesnt start a flame war, I'll have another try - do you think that history will consider the 350Z to be an extension of the 300ZX line??after all it has that V6, not the nice inline six like the Skyline and proper Z!

Ummm sorry to disturb this cute 280 thread, Buttttt...the only true Z is a 240Z!

And while were at it, whats up with that 280zx anyways..isnt it kinda like a ummm Mustang II?

Just doing my part to fan the fire

[peterpit]

jackboxxx,

I would be more inclined to listen to your arguement of "the only true z is a 240z" if yours was a pure 240z and not a modified one. I prefer to allow owners of ORIGINAL 240z's to make that statement.

On the other hand I do think the 280zx is definitely the lowest on the totem pole.

[Fun_in_my_z]

Ummm sorry to disturb this cute 280 thread, Buttttt...the only true Z is a 240Z!

And while were at it, whats up with that 280zx anyways..isnt it kinda like a ummm Mustang II?

Just doing my part to fan the fire

This is the dumbest thing ive read all week. I have owned 2 240Zs a 260 and a 280.

All be it i only got to drive one of em

Ive driven a 350Z and its a blast. My 72 has a L28 in it.

Its just as much a Z as a 350Z is.

Everything must change.

[jackboxxx]

jackboxxx,

I would be more inclined to listen to your arguement of "the only true z is a 340z" if yours was a pure 240z and not a modified one. I prefer to allow owners of ORIGINAL 240z's to make that statement.

On the other hand I do think the 280zx is definitely the lowest on the totem pole.

is there a 340z car that i dont know about?

as far as my car goes, the drivetrain is totally swappable with the orginal complete stock engine which is sitting peacefully in my garage at 117k miles. (i wasnt willing to butcher up (err I meant Modify!) my original engine.)

[260DET]

Mine is a much modded '77 260Z, there is no doubt that the S30 line are great cars.

But I'm looking for another Z project car now and would grab a 280ZX two seat tin top coupe (HS130) if one was available at the right price. One of the most underestimated abused and neglected cars around although the semi trailing arm rear suspension does not help. Still, I have it on good authority that a stock 280ZX is quicker around a race circuit than a stock S30.

On the 350Z, I don't like the appearance and don't know anyone who does. A more traditional style like Aston Martin and some Maseratis have managed would have been a winner, there was plenty of Z tradition to draw on but only a few gimmicks resulted. I drove one around a race circuit, it was OK but nothing exceptional, nowhere near as fast as my 260, plus they seem to take a lot of work to get competitive for racing.

Other than the S30, I like the HS130, Californian Z31 and the Z32 has potential.

[Bruce Woolmore]

... hey alfadog I know about the US 280Z, I OWN one! :-) some dumb .. went to the trouble of bringing mine in to NZ and converting to RHD, I finished the job by throwing away those horrible bumpers! So now I have basically a 260Z - except my car is all kitted out for EFI, even though it now has triples on it. (for our US friends - the 280Z was never sold outside the US, we only ever saw the 280ZX)

My personal opinion (and yes, I have owned 2 240Zs previously) - and really that is all this thread is about, opinion - is that 240Z = 260Z = 280Z - all S30 bodyshell, same drivetrain, etc - yes the 280Z is heavier , but nothing a bit of engine work cant fix! they handle the same (except my 280Z steering seems quite a lot heavier - club experts, is that normal??)

oh yes, my 280Z doors close with a lovely solid clunk unlike the crash and rattle of the 240Z doors - shame I have to carry those big intrusion bars for the privilege!

280ZX is a different car really, although I have to confess to liking the 280ZX coupe, not the 2+2 - but then I never did like the 260 2+2 either! or the Jag E-type 2+ 2! stylists, theres a message there! but I digress ...

I really think the Z line ended with the 280Z, despite Nissans badge engineering - I'm sure the 350Z is a great car (have to say that , I've yet to have a blat in one!) but in my eyes it would have had more credibility with a Godzilla engine in it, or a hairy-chested V8 - It is really a 300ZX successor, which itself got a lot of praise (esp the twin turbo version) but you had to wear rose-tinted specs to see any link to the 240Z line.

but i'm happy to hear other rationalisation, kids!!

[Oleh]

i love my ZX

[NZeder]

Having owned 2x240z, 1x260z(current car and first z I purchased) and 1x280zx - all 2 seaters I might add. Like Bruce my personal opinion is the 2+2 just don't look right, the roof is too high and long. I would own a 280zx 2 seater again if I could find a nice clean one (very hard to find here in NZ and for a few $$ more I could get a 240z or 260z).

The Z line ended with the 280z ie S30 body after that it was the ZX S130 (a different body) I guess some of the 911 people might not call the modern 911 a 911 but a 996 (or whatever model it is - very confusing those German rear engine things). Hell here in NZ Nissan sold a 910 badged as a 200zxe nothing like the Z line at all. So what in a badge? To me it is he body style that sets the Zed apart. Me I love the S30 be it a 240z, 260z or US spec 280z (all have to be 2 seaters and the US bumpers removed - I guess we were lucky here in NZ we never got those ugly look'n bumpers on our market cars).

Re the 350z = Z33 chassis = one digit up from Z32 = not part of the S30 line at all = not a z but a zx IMHO = Zed died after the last S30 rolled of the production line, after that they are all ZX....again just my opinion. I have driven a 350z and if I had the coin and was looking for a modern 2 seater sport car then I would own one. However I don't like auto this and electronic that, all this add weight and over complicates what I want from a sports car (daily driver yes, sport car no). I know they are safer with ABS, airbag but I don't buy a car to crash. So with that said if I did have the coin for a 350z I still would not purchase one (not my style of car) I would take a 240z/260z and spend the $$ on making it mine own....hang on that is what I am doing

Love cars but love the Z (S30 the most = affordable fun = the reason Nissan (or Datsun as the export market was badged back then) built the car in the first place)...if was looking for a 2+2 it would not be a Zed may be a 240k/Skyline or the RA23/TA23 Toyota Celica GT hatchback of the same period in the 70's.