350Z roadster vs SL500 (R129), which one to buy ?
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From: Wash., D.C.
C280
350Z roadster vs SL500 (R129), which one to buy ?
I've already started shopping for a SL500, but after seeing a 350Z roadster, I'm not that sure anymore I want an SL anymore.
In comparison:
I a bit sick of the MB slushbox. It’s good for your average commute, but I have to give the nod to the 6 speed here, being that this car will be a weekend/fun car.
Of course the MB has status, commands respect, and is just a badass machine. The 350Z roadster will out perform the SL500, be more reliable, and may be more fun to drive.
Of course the 350Z/G35 interiors leave much to be desired. MB wins hands down here.
The odd thing is, for the years I’m looking at of SL500s, a used SL500 will cost more than a new 350Z roadster (I don’t really have the street price of the 350Z roadster, I’m guessing it’s around 40k). So, I’d save money by buying the Nissan.
So, since some of you own SL500s and some of you own 350Zs, I like to hear your comments.
Also, to throw in a wildcard: What about a used M3 roadster, how do they compare and what do they cost. I like the SMG, I wish MB would offer one. I'm a little bit anti-BMW. But if they offer a car that fits my needs, I can't let a badge hold me back.
In comparison:
I a bit sick of the MB slushbox. It’s good for your average commute, but I have to give the nod to the 6 speed here, being that this car will be a weekend/fun car.
Of course the MB has status, commands respect, and is just a badass machine. The 350Z roadster will out perform the SL500, be more reliable, and may be more fun to drive.
Of course the 350Z/G35 interiors leave much to be desired. MB wins hands down here.
The odd thing is, for the years I’m looking at of SL500s, a used SL500 will cost more than a new 350Z roadster (I don’t really have the street price of the 350Z roadster, I’m guessing it’s around 40k). So, I’d save money by buying the Nissan.
So, since some of you own SL500s and some of you own 350Zs, I like to hear your comments.
Also, to throw in a wildcard: What about a used M3 roadster, how do they compare and what do they cost. I like the SMG, I wish MB would offer one. I'm a little bit anti-BMW. But if they offer a car that fits my needs, I can't let a badge hold me back.
Last edited by C280Sportster; Dec 23, 2003 at 02:10 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Wash., D.C.
C280
Holy smokes, the Z roadster is badass !!!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/niss...oto..2.Nissan*
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/niss...ntent.num9.0.*
Check out the photos, it looks much better than a normal 350Z (IMHO).
Price isn't that bad either, but I'm sure these are going for more than MSRP right now.
Now I have to check out prices on a used M3s.
It sunny and 57 degrees (F) in Washington D.C., a good day for a test drive don't you think ?
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/niss...oto..2.Nissan*
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/niss...ntent.num9.0.*
Check out the photos, it looks much better than a normal 350Z (IMHO).
Price isn't that bad either, but I'm sure these are going for more than MSRP right now.
Now I have to check out prices on a used M3s.
It sunny and 57 degrees (F) in Washington D.C., a good day for a test drive don't you think ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
Have you been in a Z while it's moving yet? It's like riding on a buckboard. The SL will hold value better if you care. It's a luxury vs. sport call. Personaly I would go the SL or M3.
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N/A
Originally posted by Noble C320
Is this a joke?
SL HANDS DOWN!
Is this a joke?
SL HANDS DOWN!
1. 350Z is faster.
2. 350Z has better handling.
3. 350Z has a 6-speed manual transmission.
4. 350Z is more reliable.
5. 350Z is more fun to drive.
You said that you were also looking at BMWs? What about the M Coupe or Roadster?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Frederick, MD
'72 Suburban
Originally posted by Kain
You said that you were also looking at BMWs? What about the M Coupe or Roadster?
You said that you were also looking at BMWs? What about the M Coupe or Roadster?
Prices on the Roadster and Coupes are pretty reasonable, too. Good luck with your choice!
Last edited by WayneE; Dec 27, 2003 at 10:57 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Louisiana
E320
Originally posted by WayneE
I love the M Coupes. Very unique lines and the newer ones with the 315hp motors are really quick.
Prices on the Roadster and Coupes are pretty reasonable, too. Good luck with your choice!
I love the M Coupes. Very unique lines and the newer ones with the 315hp motors are really quick.
Prices on the Roadster and Coupes are pretty reasonable, too. Good luck with your choice!
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Have you considered a 300zxTT?
Just to let you know the 300zxTT is faster than the new 350z, and right now it has more potential than the 350z.
Personally I would take the z32(300zx) over the 350z(z33). I like the styling much more of the z32.
The z33 can be bought much cheaper than an SL, 40k will get you a z33 fully loaded. 27k is the base price. not too bad considering the numbers it throws down.
As far as the nissan being more reliable than an SL, I doubt it. Unless MB quality has taken a nose dive since my pre 90 models then its better off.
The nissan will have a life of abotu 250k miles, the SL can push 450k if you take care of the most basic maint.
goto my350z.com and http://350zforum.com/
you can gain a wealth of info there about what can be done to speed up the Z. or if your interested goto twinturbo.net and check out some z32s.
Personally if I could afford a new*er* SL I would. The benz is a fine machine, personally I dont think anything can top it.
Das ist alles.
Personally I would take the z32(300zx) over the 350z(z33). I like the styling much more of the z32.
The z33 can be bought much cheaper than an SL, 40k will get you a z33 fully loaded. 27k is the base price. not too bad considering the numbers it throws down.
As far as the nissan being more reliable than an SL, I doubt it. Unless MB quality has taken a nose dive since my pre 90 models then its better off.
The nissan will have a life of abotu 250k miles, the SL can push 450k if you take care of the most basic maint.
goto my350z.com and http://350zforum.com/
you can gain a wealth of info there about what can be done to speed up the Z. or if your interested goto twinturbo.net and check out some z32s.
Personally if I could afford a new*er* SL I would. The benz is a fine machine, personally I dont think anything can top it.
Das ist alles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,734
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From: Hotlanta
AMG
I like the look of the 350Z coupes a little better than the roadsters. But, nice nonetheless. The SL is not a sports car, but a used SL will hold up nice and have a higer % resale as you are not buying new and won't take the depreciation hit.
For other drop-tops, have you considered:
BMW Z4?
Audi TT cabrio?
Honda S2000?
For other drop-tops, have you considered:
BMW Z4?
Audi TT cabrio?
Honda S2000?
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Not a Benzer anymore
Whatever - but the Warranty is everything...
When buying a car, the warranty is everything, and when it isn't ...
If we were talking about Geo Metros, then this wouldn't be an issue, but just ask yourself - "How much does it cost to repair ______ on a Benz vs Nissan vs BMW?"
If you plan to keep the car a long time, fill in the blank with the a/c compressor; for a short time, headlight lens, wiper motor.
Or if you had ever a problem with any car that you owned or leased, fill in the blank with that problem.
Insurance...
If we were talking about Geo Metros, then this wouldn't be an issue, but just ask yourself - "How much does it cost to repair ______ on a Benz vs Nissan vs BMW?"
If you plan to keep the car a long time, fill in the blank with the a/c compressor; for a short time, headlight lens, wiper motor.
Or if you had ever a problem with any car that you owned or leased, fill in the blank with that problem.
Insurance...
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A bucket on wheels
5. 350Z is more fun to drive.
Your bmw people at e46fanatics and bimmerforums dont like you. they call you a troll so you come back here. could a mod please ban kain PLEASE
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N/A
Originally posted by FIXEDupW209
kain u fuqin moron, how would you know if its more fun to drive? youv never driven one. yet alone an sl500.
Your bmw people at e46fanatics and bimmerforums dont like you. they call you a troll so you come back here. could a mod please ban kain PLEASE
kain u fuqin moron, how would you know if its more fun to drive? youv never driven one. yet alone an sl500.
Your bmw people at e46fanatics and bimmerforums dont like you. they call you a troll so you come back here. could a mod please ban kain PLEASE
And who the **** said people on E46Fanatics and Bimmerforums don't like me??
Almost a Member!
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From: Lake In The Hills,IL
SLK 320
I drove the 350z - noise level inside is disgusting. Also I heard there is some issues with suspension where it will eat your tires in 5000 miles and Nissan does nothing about it.
I got SLK320
I got SLK320
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996 Turbo
Originally posted by Kirill
I drove the 350z - noise level inside is disgusting. Also I heard there is some issues with suspension where it will eat your tires in 5000 miles and Nissan does nothing about it.
I got SLK320
I drove the 350z - noise level inside is disgusting. Also I heard there is some issues with suspension where it will eat your tires in 5000 miles and Nissan does nothing about it.
I got SLK320
Almost a Member!
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From: Lake In The Hills,IL
SLK 320
Originally posted by FInality
Its a pure sports car what did you expect air soft suspension? The tire problem is fixed the problem was called feathering and nissan adressed the issue. Get your facts straight before you start blabbing.
Its a pure sports car what did you expect air soft suspension? The tire problem is fixed the problem was called feathering and nissan adressed the issue. Get your facts straight before you start blabbing.
I don't own a 350Z and don't intend to - that's why i don't really folow what's going on with it.
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996 Turbo
Originally posted by Kirill
For 30K$ i exepect soundproofing.
I don't own a 350Z and don't intend to - that's why i don't really folow what's going on with it.
For 30K$ i exepect soundproofing.
I don't own a 350Z and don't intend to - that's why i don't really folow what's going on with it.
That car doesn't exist and never will.
If you want chuck another couple of grand and get the G35 coupe. Its heavier but heck it has soundproofing :o
Almost a Member!
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From: MD
2001 E46 M3
It's purely a matter of personal preference. If having an automatic repulses you so much, then get the Nissan. I'm sure you already knew what you were going to get when you posted this thread. Nothing any of us say is going to change that. 
Good luck in your decision; I'm sure either car would be great. 
Good luck in your decision; I'm sure either car would be great.
