I've reached the age where my practical family carrying minivan days are behind me, and after leasing a Altima for a little over a year, I'm enjoying driving again. I really like pretty much all the Z cars, but where I live you don't see to much of them. (Michigan) I'm not really interested so much in horsepower as a car that is sporty, handles well, reliable, and fun to drive.

I've been lurking on a number of Z Boards and have these thoughts -

240Z - Looks like a great car but nice ones with no rust are somewhat expensive and at my age, certain creature comforts are appreciated.

260Z/280Z - Also nice cars, except for the hideous bumpers! Do they compare well with 240Z's?

280ZX - This one could be my favorite, but how much has handling & sport driving been compromised by the additional weight of creature comforts. Is the turbo version worth it?

300ZX(Z31) This model seems to be the bastard stepchild of Z cars. I like the way they look but how do they measure up to the earlier versions? Is handling and control afterthoughts in this model? I would get the turbo version of this one. Any reason why the NA model would be better.

300ZX(Z32) Very nice cars, but expensive to maintain & operate? They are also going for more money then I probably care to spend. Also seem to be more of a touring car then a sports car.

you forgot the 350Z (Z33)

I can't say which Z is the best, coz every one has it's own character, but the one I would surely prefer is the 240Z, coz it is really classic with the coarburation system..

on the other hand, S30's are really fine to my after using the 1983ZX and 300ZX Z32

The closest to a 240Z with creature comforts would be a 280ZX.

They are a fun car, not as precise or responsive as a 240Z, but still fun.

See if there are members near you and trade a cold drink for a test drive!

Will

you forgot the 350Z (Z33)

I think he answered that in his Z32 statement. I won't get into a discussion about which is the best. I like my 280Z (even the bumpers) for my own reasons. Everone else will have theirs. So it becomes opinion and its been done to death and we still don't have (and won't have) a consesus on which is best. No vote here for me.

280ZX - This one could be my favorite, but how much has handling & sport driving been compromised by the additional weight of creature comforts. Is the turbo version worth it?

I use my 280ZX as a daily driver. It's not as fast or sporty as my 240Z, but it's still fun to drive.

Its hard to say which is the "best" Z, they all have strengths and weaknesses. That and most people would probably pick the Z that they own since thats the one that they know the best. IMO this question should be re-phrased.

Welcome to the site anyways though, =)

The best Z-CAR is the one you ulimately purchase, drive and enjoy.

I fell for the 240 when they came out. My girl friend in HS got a brand new

70. It was white with the red interior. Her dad was a doctor and mine wasn't. I had to wait till I could get mine. Enjoyed it as a daily driver until I bought my 90. Now that's the daily and my 240 gets to go for drives on the weekend.

My firend had a 280zx, it was Auto, with t-tops, 2-tone blue/silver paint. It was a pretty comfy car and a real nice cruiser. I can see why it may be your favorite. They sell 10th anniversary ones on Ebay every now and then. I dont recall it being very quick or responsive, that wasn't the point of that car.

I chose a 240z. The only creature comforts you will find are the clock, cigarette lighter, and coat hooks. I may even leave the AM/FM radio in it because the car sounds so good I want to hear it when Im driving. The 240, to me, isn't about being comfortable, its all about the ride. The carbs and 4-speed really make for a great ride, its quick and feels like youre on rails when youre in it.

Good luck in your search,

Zak

Originally posted by: Boogalou

280ZX - This one could be my favorite, but how much has handling & sport driving been compromised by the additional weight of creature comforts. Is the turbo version worth it?

If you decide on the 280ZX. here's a nice turbo with low miles you can check out. http://houston.craigslist.org/car/184093369.html

Your profile doesn't say where you're located, so I don't know how convenient this one is for you.

Its hard to say which is the "best" Z, they all have strengths and weaknesses. That and most people would probably pick the Z that they own since thats the one that they know the best.

exactly.

I love my 280zx, but then again, I have never driven any other model. I would have issues with your suppostion about the z32, however. A friend of mine has one as his daily driver, auto x and cross country driver. He feels it is a great combination of sport car and touring car (comfortable for long drives with a small yet reasonable boot). If you choose a z32, my suggestion would be to get the NA version. You would avoid costly electrical repairs (the heat from the twin turbos cooks wiring harnesses every few years), and have a sportier car. Sure, the TT version is "faster," but only after those turbos spool up. On twisty roads, a NA car will have the advantage for this same reason, so unless you want your Z(X) for drag racing, I would avoid the more costly option.

At any rate, at least you are checking out the Z range. Welcome to our group.

Enjoy the shots (courtesy of Google)-yes I know I didn't include the 280zx, the post above mine has it already.

Thanks for all the comments so far. It is greatly appreciated. Looks like the 240z would be the most fun to drive.