The Nissan 350Z and 370Z are two of the most popular modern Z platforms for a reason. Both are rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated VQ-powered coupes with strong aftermarket support, straightforward maintenance, and enough factory performance to feel special without needing a huge build sheet.
The right choice depends on what you want from the car. The 350Z is the more affordable, raw-feeling Z33 chassis. The 370Z is the shorter, stiffer, more powerful Z34 chassis with a more modern cabin and the VQ37VHR. If you are shopping parts, start with the Nissan 350Z collection or the Nissan 370Z parts collection so you are not guessing across chassis years.
350Z vs 370Z Comparison Table
| Category | Nissan 350Z | Nissan 370Z |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis | Z33 | Z34 |
| Engine | VQ35DE, RevUp, or VQ35HR depending on year | VQ37VHR with VVEL |
| Factory power | 287-306 hp depending on year and engine | 332 hp, 350 hp on many NISMO models |
| Wheelbase | Longer, more GT-like | Shorter and more responsive |
| Driving feel | Raw, simple, easy to personalize | Sharper, tighter, more refined |
| Best buyer | Budget street, drift, and first Z build | Cleaner daily, track-capable street car, NISMO buyer |
Engine Difference: VQ35 vs VQ37
The biggest jump from 350Z to 370Z is the engine. Early 350Z models use the VQ35DE, later cars moved through the RevUp variant, and 2007-2008 cars received the VQ35HR. The HR is the 350Z engine most buyers chase because it revs higher, makes more power, and shares more personality with the later VQ37VHR.
The 370Z's VQ37VHR adds displacement and VVEL, giving it stronger factory power and better response up top. It is still a naturally aspirated VQ, so it rewards intake, exhaust, tune, clutch, cooling, and gearing changes more than it rewards random bolt-ons with no plan.
| Engine | Found In | What It Feels Like | JDC Fitment Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| VQ35DE | 2003-2006 350Z | Strong midrange, simpler, lower cost | Many engine bay, intake, and exhaust parts are DE-specific |
| VQ35HR | 2007-2008 350Z | Higher revving and stronger stock power | Do not assume DE parts fit HR cars |
| VQ37VHR | 2009-2020 370Z | More power, better response, more modern electronics | Shares some architecture with G37, but body and exhaust fitment still differ |
JDC Verdict: If you want the cheapest path into a fun VQ chassis, buy the cleanest manual 350Z you can find. If you want the better factory car and plan to keep it long-term, the 370Z is worth the extra money.
Chassis, Weight, and Driving Feel
The 350Z feels larger and more old-school from behind the wheel. It has a heavier, simpler cabin and a rawer feel that makes it a great drift, street, and first-track-car platform. The 370Z feels more compact and responsive. Nissan shortened the wheelbase, widened the car, and made the Z34 feel tighter in transitions.
That does not automatically make the 370Z the better enthusiast car. A well-sorted 350Z with good tires, arms, coilovers, and brakes can feel incredible. The 370Z simply starts with a stronger foundation if you want a cleaner, newer chassis with fewer age-related issues.
Interior and Tech
The 370Z cabin is not modern by 2026 standards, but it is a clear step up from most 350Z interiors. The 350Z is simple and durable, but older plastics, seat wear, faded switches, and worn interior trim are common. The 370Z gets a better layout, improved materials, available SynchroRev Match, and a more refined daily-driver feel.
For a weekend car, the 350Z interior is part of the charm. For a daily, road trip car, or car you want to feel newer inside, the 370Z wins.
Current Used Pricing Snapshot
Market pricing changes quickly, especially for clean manual cars. As a practical 2026 shopping range, rough 350Z drivers can still be found in the lower teens, while clean HR and NISMO cars can move much higher. Most 370Z coupes sit higher than comparable 350Zs, with clean Sport, manual, and NISMO cars carrying the strongest premium.
| Model | Typical Buyer Budget | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 350Z DE | $8k-$16k | Mileage, oil use, worn suspension, rough drift-car history |
| 350Z HR | $14k-$25k+ | Gallery gasket history, clean title, manual premium |
| 370Z | $15k-$30k | Sport package, brake option, clutch CSC, cooling |
| 370Z NISMO | $28k-$45k+ | Originality, body condition, NISMO-specific parts |
Which One Is Better to Modify?
The 350Z is usually cheaper to buy and cheaper to turn into a fun street or drift car. It also has a huge used-parts market. The downside is that many examples have already been abused, and the difference between DE, RevUp, and HR fitment matters.
The 370Z is the better starting point for a cleaner street build, canyon car, or occasional track car. The VQ37 has strong factory power, the chassis is stiffer, and the car responds well to quality suspension, brake, cooling, exhaust, and tune upgrades.
| Build Goal | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget drift car | 350Z | Cheaper entry, strong used parts support, simple chassis |
| Clean daily driver | 370Z | Newer cabin, more power, better refinement |
| Track-day NA car | 370Z | Shorter wheelbase, stronger brakes on Sport models, better factory power |
| Cheap fun coupe | 350Z | Hard to beat the value if you buy a clean one |
| Long-term collector | 370Z NISMO or clean HR 350Z | Rarer clean examples are already being treated differently |
The Infiniti Angle: G35 vs G37 vs Z
The Infiniti G35 and G37 share the same basic family tree as the Z cars, but they are not just four-seat Zs. The Infiniti G35 lines up most closely with the 350Z era, while the Infiniti G37 lines up with the 370Z era. Coupes are closer in spirit to the Z. Sedans add practicality but introduce different body, exhaust, suspension, and interior fitment considerations.
G35 vs 350Z comes down to practicality and feel. The 350Z feels more focused and compact. The G35 gives you usable rear seats and a more mature cabin. G37 vs 370Z is similar, but the G37 can be an incredible daily-driver VQ platform if you want VQ37 power without giving up comfort.
Common Install Gotchas JDC Sees on Z/G Builds
- 350Z DE, RevUp, and HR engine parts are not always interchangeable.
- G35 coupe, G35 sedan, 350Z, G37, and 370Z exhaust sections can look similar online but use different lengths and mounting points.
- 370Z and G37 Sport brake packages may require wheel clearance checks before ordering wheels, spacers, or hardware.
- Roadster parts are often different from coupe parts, especially around chassis bracing and body pieces.
- Universal titanium hardware should be matched by thread pitch, shoulder length, head style, and load requirement - not just diameter.
What JDC Customers Usually Buy First
For Z and G cars, the first upgrades are usually visible details and easy reliability-supporting parts: titanium license plate hardware, titanium engine bay hardware, wheel hardware, dress-up caps, exhaust hardware, suspension components, and carbon or exterior accents. For universal fastener upgrades, browse universal titanium bolts and screws and JDC wheel products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 370Z faster than the 350Z?
Yes, in stock form the 370Z is generally quicker thanks to the VQ37VHR, shorter chassis, and higher factory output. A modified 350Z can close the gap quickly.
Is the 350Z cheaper to maintain?
Usually, yes. Early 350Z parts and used components are easier to find, but a neglected 350Z can cost more than a clean 370Z.
Is a G35 basically a 350Z?
They share a platform family and VQ engine family, but the G35 has a different body, wheelbase, interior, and many fitment-specific parts.
Which is better for a daily driver?
A G37 or 370Z is usually easier to live with. A clean 350Z is still very daily-drivable, but age and condition matter more.
