350Z Model and Trim Differences
Enthusiast's buyers guide
Q: Whats the difference between models? Which one is right for me?
A: This question really depends on what you want to do with the car. If your building a track monster from the get-go, a Base or Enthusiast is probably the way to go. If your looking for a nice touring car that you don't have to do much too, the Touring or the 35th Anniversary Edition in 2005 might be best. Please note this guide only covers coupe options, not roadster.
Abbreviations
TCS - Traction Control System
VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Controller
VTC - Variable Timing Control
MT - Manual Transmission
AT - Automatic Transmission
VLSD - Viscous Limited-Slip Differential
Model Breakdown (2003-2004.5):
Base: 3.5L V6 with 287hp/274 ft-lbs of tq., 17" rims. Only available in 6-speed MT. No VLSD, cruise control.
Enthusiast: Added Cruise Control, HID headlights, Aluminum pedals, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, VLSD, and TCS. Available in either 6-speed MT or 5-speed AT.
Performance: Adds VDC , 18" rims (18"x8" all around). Only available with 6-speed MT.
Touring: Adds Leather seats w/ power adjust-ability, Bose sound system, and optional DVD Navigation. Available in either 6-speed MT or 5-speed AT.
Track: Adds 18" Rays Track Rims (18"x8" front, 18"x8.5" rear, approx. 18.3 lbs per rim), Brembo Big Brake Kit, underbody aero kit w/ rear hatch spoiler. Only available in 6-speed MT.
*Please note all automatic models Enthusiast up only had TCS, no VDC.
There were no major changes until the 2004.5 model, in which the suspension was changed slightly to help alleviate the "tire feathering" problem. I'm not sure the exact change, but there were some small changes in the suspension that seemed to help lessen the cases, though there were some still sporadically appearing.
The next major changes wouldn't come until 2005. Nissan introduced the "Rev-Up" 300hp/260tq variant of the VQ35. It was featured in the 2005 Track and 35th Anniversary models (6-speed MT only). Major changes included VTC on the exhaust cams, improved internals, higher redline, and modified lower plenum. Also, all models received a new, redesigned front suspension which appears to have helped to combat the problems with tire feathering.
The 35th Anniversary model that appeared in 2005 was a mesh of the Touring and Track model. It featured the same Brembo Brakes and 300hp motor of the Track model, but all the comfort amenities of the Touring such as leather, Bose sound system, and optional Navigation. It was available in 6-speed MT or 5-speed AT, though the AT received the 287hp/274tq engine and did not feature VDC, just TCS. The 35th Anniversary also feature unique 18" 5-spoke rims.
The Z received a small redesign on 2006 to both the car itself and to the model lineup. The car received a slight facelift with a subtly redesigned front bumper, new Bi-Xenon headlights, and LED tailights. Also, all 6-speed models except for the Track and Grand Touring were equipped with the 18" rims from the 2005 35th Anniversary (Enthusiast AT's get the 17" rims, Touring get the 2003-2005 18" Touring rims). Under the hood, all MT models received the 300hp/260tq Rev-Up motors. All AT models received the 287hp/274tq motors.
Inside, there were some spots of added aluminum trim, as well as new steering-wheel mounted audio controls in all Enthusiast-up models.
Model Breakdown (2006):
Base: Bi-xenon HID's, five-spoke 18" rims, 6-speed MT only. No VSLD or cruise control.
Enthusiast: Adds TCS, VLSD, Cruise Control, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, aluminum pedals, Illuminated audio controls on steering wheel. Availble with MT or AT.
Performance: No longer exists in current lineup.
Touring: Adds VDC (manual only), Bose Audio w/ MP3 playback
capability, leather seats w/ power and heat. Available with MT or AT.Track: Adds Brembo Braking system, underbody aero package, rear
hatch spoiler, lightweight Rays rims (18"x8.5" Front, 19x9.5" rear). MT only.Grand Touring: Adds Brembo brakes and Rays Rims from Track model, underbody aero package, Bose sound system, and leather seats. Available with MT or AT.
*Please note all automatic models Enthusiast up only had TCS, no VDC.
In 2007, Nissan took the 350z another step forward and released the new HR model motor. Featuring a new twin-intake, variable valve-timing on the exhaust cams, a 7500RPM redline, the engine was claimed to be 80% new. 2007 also saw the demise of the Track model and replaced with the Nismo edition car, limited to a production run of 1500 cars. The Nismo edition featured a specially-engineered chassis welded to stiffen the chassis, a Nismo edition body kit (dubbed the V3, for version 3, since it was the third iteration of the Nismo body kit for the 350z), and limited edition Nismo exhaust tips (not the full exhaust). The suspension is also stiffer and more suited for a track, though it is still quite streetable.
Model Breakdown (2007-2008):
*All models received the new 306hp VQHR motor.*
Base: Bi-xenon HID's, 18" five-spoke rims, 6-speed MT only. No VSLD or cruise control.
Enthusiast: Adds TCS, VLSD, Cruise Control, Auto-dimming rearview mirror, aluminum pedals, Illuminated audio controls on steering wheel. Availble with MT or AT.
Touring: Adds VDC (manual only), Bose Audio w/ MP3 playback
capability, leather seats w/ power and heat. Available with MT or AT.Grand Touring: Adds Brembo brakes and Rays Rims from Track model, underbody aero package, Bose sound system, and leather seats. Available with MT or AT.
Nismo: Adds Brembo Braking system, factory-Nismo aero package, OEM Nismo suspension setup, lightweight Rays rims (18"x8.5" Front, 19x9.5" rear). MT only.
Q: How can I tell the difference between the models of the 350Z?
A: The information below was derived from this thread https://my350z.com/forum/buying-leasing/269606-easy-way-to-tell-differences-in-350z-models.html , started by The Brickyard Rat. I have to credit him, Voboy and JDMFairladyZ33 for providing the majority of the info. I have verified it against the Sales brochures and specs for each of the model years and believe it to be true, complete and accurate. Note that this info is not 100% accurate for the Roadsters. They have their own set of exceptions to a lot of these rules.
Base: no cruise control or radio buttons on steering wheel. MT only. 17" Wheels. No HID headlights (03-05). No autodimming rear-view mirror.
Enthusiast: TCS button on lower dash below steering wheel, cloth seats but no heater switches for seats. AT or MT. 17" wheels.
Performance: VDC button on lower dash, cloth seats but no heater switches or Brembo brakes. MT only. Available 03-05.
Touring: Leather seats. Heater buttons on center console. Heated seats and outside mirrors. Bose stereo system. VDC button on lower dash. AT or MT. 17" wheels on AT, 18" on MT.
Track: Brembo brakes and VDC button. Rear spoiler, underbody air diffusers. MT only. 18" Rays Forged Wheels. Available 03-06.
Grand Touring Leather seats. BOSE stereo. Brembos brakes. VDC button on lower dash.
Q: What’s my paint code?
A:
Q: Tell me more?
A:
Sources: