I think the 350z will be superior compared to 85% of the skylines - faster than the gtx, gts, gts25, gts4, gts-t and gts25-t it will be slower than the gtr, well at least in the initial take off.

The gtr has a superior engine but it is also a 4wd so it will loose a lot of the hp to the wheels and this might have some effect on the higher speeds.

R32 GTS-T 0-100 in 6.3 (1320kg)

R33 GTS25-T (1993) 0-100 in 6.2 (1370kg)

R32 GTR (1989) 0-100 in 4.7 (1480kg)

R33 (1995) 0-100 in 5.3 (1530kg)

R34 (1999) 0-100 in 5.2 (1540kg)

Godzilla v's Fairlady huh?

I know what sounds better.

motor trend tested the an R-33 GTR skyling a while back with these results

0-60 5.12 sec

1/4 mile 13.58@101.92mph

slalom, 65.1 mph

sport compact car tested a 350z enthusiast model with these results

0-60 5.8 sec

1/4 mile 14.0@99.2mph

slalom, 70.2 mph

as a drag car the skyline will always rule, but I think that as a pure sports car the new 350z will be the victor

The skyline is a true sports car, anybody who has had the privelidge of a ride in a GTR skyline would reccomend wearing brown trousers so the stains don't show. The acceleration the 4 wheel drive provides is just awesome

Acceleration is one thing, corners is something totally different.

Remember, the skyline is basically a family car with a sporting variant. That is how it was disigned. The 350Z is a sportZcar from the ground up. Total package from power, balance, handling and performance.

While Godzilla may have higher power output and be quicker down the 1/4 the 350Z should have more balanced and refined sportzcar handling.

This is proved by the fact that the 350Z is heaps quicker through the Slalom.

They are both great cars.

OzLime240Z

From what I've heard the new GT-R won't actually be a skyline. Looks like it will be based on the 350Z

http://www.jbskyline.net/V35/GTR/

Hang on to your hats for that one. Pity to see the Skyline GT-R go, but I think it's for the best it will be a Zed!

And it's got round taillights unlike the R35. I think a GT-R must have those pretty round taillights as that is all that most people see!

OzLime240Z

350Z a sports car from the ground up? My a**. I can't fathom why anybody would buy a 350Z when the better-looking (though still no work of art) G35 is only 150 lb. heavier. The 350Z is a car for those who want to FEEL sporty. It's no real sports car, it's a sedan with two seats. Oh yeah, it's ugly, too. I absolutely can't WAIT to meet one at the track:)

Dan Baldwin

'71 240Z 3.1, 235 rwhp

COMSCC #7, 2002 SPB class champion

You'd better believe it... the definition of a sports car has changed.

That said, the new Z isn't the prettiest thing around, but it is a sports car.

If the definition of "sports car" is: "car with only two seats", then I'd agree it's a sports car. The definition of "sports car" has always been nebulous, so to say it has changed is kind of a moot point. To some, a Mitsubishi Eclipse is a "sports car". To some, there is no such thing as a closed-top "sports car".

Anyway, whatever ya call it, the 350Z is nothing special. Why would any rational human being forsake rear seats and usable cargo space for only 150 lb. less weight and an additional 7hp? For the same money, the G35 makes a lot more sense. Nissan came out with a GREAT sedan platform, the FM. They have tried to make at least one too many cars out of it, though. The G35 sedan and coupe, the 350Z, and the new Skyline are all the same car underneath. Hence, the 350Z is GROSSLY overweight, and the G35 is THE hot BMW-fighter. Let the Skyline be the big, heavy supercar. The new Z was supposed to have returned to Z-ness, forsaking ZX-ness. To me that means LESS car. At 2400 lb. it would've been BRILLIANT! Another landmark car. At 2600 lb. it would've been GREAT! At 2800 lb. it would've been VERY GOOD, on the verge of greatness. 3300 lb?! Forget it. I'd rather have a MUCH nicer 3450 lb. G35 4-door 6-speed, for the SAME price.

The 350Z is for those who want to feel "sporty", and equate "2-seater" with "sports car". It's not for true enthusiasts.

Speaking of BMW's and Datsuns...

Check this video out.

http://www.cobrauniversity.com/other/BMWvsDatsun.mpg

RMS Beemer is tailgated by a Right-hand-drive Skyline, a 2.5 Challenge 510, and a 1200.

The Skyline easily passes (with a bit more power), plus it helps having Morton at the wheel. We also had the Brembo track version of the 350Z there. John drove the 350 and the Skyline. He mentioned to me that the 350 is a great car, but the Skyline drives best. Automobile magazine was writing up an article, so keep looking for the upcoming issue.

PierreZ took tons of video of all the Datsuns and the magazine thing. Call him for a video copy.

Partial retraction of above lambasting:

I got to sit in the prez of our Z club's 350Z on Saturday. The interior is pretty cool. I like the door panels especially. Some may find them spartan and unadorned, but that's the way I like it (at least SOME Zness there). Seats were nice, but I'd prefer leather (only available on the Touring). He claimed it weighed in at 3120 lb. (performance model), still way overweight if you ask me, but at least lighter enough than the G35 to make the 350 a consideration (geez, all of the track model's additional 150+ lb must be unsprung (wheels/tires/brakes), not good). Ultimately, though, I could never really consider the car because I don't care for its looks (purely subjective opinion).

At it's power/weight, the 350Z will never have a prayer against a competently driven C5. At 2800 lb., it would've been in the ballpark. It coulda been a contendah! Still wouldn't have a chance against my '71, though:)

The skyline doesn't look as good as the 350z, but it may be faster. I wish the 350z had the 3.0L I-6. Whoever read that sport compact car magazine needs to look thier info from a real source. Hey i read it too but thought somthing was fishy then they add some of "thier" tunig and make it even worse. Sometimes i wonder if those euro(hi-perf I-4 lovers) guys hate Zs i know they give me funny looks in my 240z. Motortrend tested the 287hp (not 244) at 5.4sec to 60mph(not 5.8) and 13.9 in the 1/4 mile(not much diffrence there.) As for me i'll be enjoying a 350Z.