Porsche 911 996 vs Nissan 350z - First Sports Car Comparison

When I filmed the review of my own 911, I asked people if they wanted to see it compared with my friend's Nissan 350z. To this day I get requests to see that video, but as I sold my car it became somewhat tricky. However, thanks to a kind neighbour I can now film this test.
With the Porsche costing a fair bit more than the Nissan, it's not a fair fight - but the question here is can the Porsche really be worth the premium?
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[@markguppy2715]

A fair assessment I'd say. I went from 986 Boxster ownership straight to a 350z about 15 years ago. The Boxster was precision instrument compared to the hammer like 350z. Despite their differences I enjoyed both greatly. My wife preferred driving the Boxster. The 350z scared her. She's weird though......

[@inaj27]

Haha I own a 996 and a 350z , I love both but in different ways . 350z gives me that Street grit vibe and it still looks good however the 996 comes with a historical legacy with more class , precision and power when your really pushing it at high speeds .

[@ESKATEUK]

@@inaj27yeah I’ve driven both and agree, the Z for driving experience isn’t close. Still a nice car in its own right though.

[@syd9969]

@@ESKATEUK I feel as though the 350Z HR might be a better comparison

[@leshardley4248]

Your first trip to the mechanic will easily help you decide 😉😉💸💸

[@10181995hamza]

Sunamer Z you can work on it yourself

[@seanmcmanus9656]

@@vincentcortes9756 the challenge of old European cars is part of the fun. On some of them lol. You don't take a out of warranty german car to the mechanic. If you do you're an idiot for buying it

[@MrHReviews]

the Nissan all day everyday. great first sports car, great entry into the market and a very reliable sports car at that as well.

[@MrHReviews]

@footballcoreano sure, maybe, but from personal experience, my old Nissan 350z never broke down, was incredibly reliable and run, mechanically sound.

[@banjopete]

footballcoreano , who is talking about Le Mans, 350 is REALworld! Not dreamland.

[@Hypersonik]

@footballcoreano Yes/ You're not driving a LeMans car on the road are you?

[@Hypersonik]

@footballcoreano Does it now? HAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!! The LeMans 24hr is a race and has very little to do with road cars.

[@Hypersonik]

@footballcoreano Yes you did. You said the Nissan is not reliable because it always breaks down in LeMans. LeMans has nothing to do with a road car, it's a race.

[@bbpleg]

I was 20 years old and drove a 350z in the rain for about 5 minutes and had it going sideways. Bought a new 07 313 hp model the week after and absolutely loved it during the 7 years I had it. I now drive a cayman s and I’d say one major difference is the amount of Porsche club activities surrounding the car. I’ve really enjoyed a lot of track days and road trips with Porsche club and that’s kind of hard to find in the same degree with other brands I think.

[@Fee.1]

People that don’t get that car guys cross shop very different vehicles are one thing. But when car guys don’t get that it’s crazy

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Indeed, for me it was a progression but not in a logical order... In 2004 I bought a Nissan 200sx - 2006 350Z - 2009 Cayman S - 2010 997 Carrera S - 2011 370Z - 2019 Back to a Cayman although it's a 2.9 Generation 2 987.

[@scousedave1917]

I am currently a full time student at university and I am running a 350z, this show how it really is an affordable sports car and a great way into the sports car sector, in addition they are not ubiquitous and always draw attention and comments from others drivers, had no problems with mine at all. hopefully when I get my degree I will be able to afford a Porsche!

[@scousedave1917]

@zMarkv to be fair for what they are they are very reasonable, obviously the way you drive it makes a difference but the noise is fantastic so very hard to not use the loud pedal, average around 25mpg, but obviously if fuel consumption and practicality are high on your list then I would avoid ha.

[@Erowens98]

@zMarkv í have one. I burn through tires like dry wood, but thats just because i take it out to the back roads every Friday night for some slightly illegal racing. Under normal use, it does use a bit of fuel, but its not crippling. Just a bit above average if you save the throttle for the weekend. The car is very durable and cheap to maintain. I find that more than compensates the fuel and tire cost, when compared to an audi/bmw/Mercedes for example. I've had it for 4 years and driven it hard with no serious mechanical issues. The few issues it has had, where not costly to sort out at all. These are used cars though, so give it a proper check up before you buy. No car is reliable if its owner treats it like crap. The 2006 models in particular can develop oil consumption issues if fuelled with substandard fuel for long enough and the 2003 models burn tires quicker because the suspension setup is odd, that can be fixed though. Look for a 2004-2005 or 2007+ 350z primarily if you want one. Chrisfix has a very good guide on looking over a used car for purchase.

[@pj9375]

Good summary and i agree with you. Yes of course the 911 is the better sportscar here. But it's noway 4x better. I'll take the 350z and modify it to my own personal taste please. Plus I prefer the looks of the 350 too.

[@805NAVE]

P J me too

[@nathanschmitt2558]

Great comparison. Agree about the 996 (and owned a 996.2 C2 for a couple of years). I never had a catastrophic engine failure, but lots of little issues along the way convinced me that I just wasn't cut out to own an old Porsche. And I have an INFINITI G37 with the same 3.7 liter V6 that resides in the 370Z.... it has been VERY reliable. Life if full of compromises... but both cars are enjoyable. Thank you for the review!

[@user-cm5qz2oq5z]

I'd rather have a 350z and put the money difference into tuning and making it my own.. 🤷‍♂️

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

I'd rather have a Cayman (987.2) over the 996 or the Z - I have driven all of them. The Z is too heavy and thirsty and even with a sports exhaust sounds dull from the interior. Feels cheaper on the inside too. Oh and in the UK the road tax is twice that of the Cayman for certain year Z's. Couple that to depreciation.. Z's are certainly good value for money other than that though.

[@augustortiz]

Alex Baker ive had Porsches, my best friend drives a nismo 370z and i can tell you.. The Porsche is a much better car. You have to dump a lot of money into the 350z to make it even near as good to drive as the 911.

[@JamesWilliams1974]

I assume you’ve not driven a porsche then!

[@user-cm5qz2oq5z]

@@augustortiz You're probably right but theres about 10k difference between the cars and I think they appeal to two different markets. If you like tuning theres thousands of aftermarket parts for the old datsun, whereas with a porsche you really just kinda buy it and be done with it. Depends on the driver. For me, 10k could boost the 350, or could spend an extra 5k and get a mint low mileage version.

[@augustortiz]

Alex Baker yeah you could definitely get a very nice 350z perhaps even a nismo for that money. I took the route of boxster 986 with full carrera S suspension brakes and front end with full exhaust (around 14k total investment). My friends in more expensive cars (Fully modded Genesis bk2, c6 Grand sport, 370z nismo and even me in my M3 e9X) would drive it and could not believe how much fun it was. Sometimes getting a more expensive car does not equal excitement behind the wheel.

[@mperformance3502]

Judging by how many junkie 350z there are with eBay wheels, stickers, and plasti dipped interior trims, 350z is the first sports car of choice lol

[@michaelbrinks8089]

It's not a bad car, just bad owners, Fast & Furious wannabees

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

@@michaelbrinks8089 yeah mainly because 350z was the star of Tokyo Drift, everyone inspires to be the drift king hoonigans. Itll only drive up the 350z in the future when theyve all succumbed to these kids.

[@ronaldthomas1300]

I own both. A 2005 350z Grand Touring Roadster and a 2006 997 Carrera cabrio. I've always called my 350z "The poor man's Porsche". I love them both!

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

The Z is a legend in its own right!

[@riccardoventuri6618]

Dare I suggest that something with a little less power and a little easier to work on would make a better first sports car? Something like an MX5 is a great introduction to RWD.

[@Ben_Z33]

I am happy with my 350z , fun to drive , still looks great . One thing i was told a porche is a rich man's toy even if some models are cheap to buy they are not cheap to fix

[@pierlouis7325]

Agreed.

[@sherabnamdhak6485]

So how much is Shell giving you for wearing that jacket. Lol. Or perhaps it’s a hi vis option

[@suprastevio2264]

It's crazy you have less than 100k subscribers. Your channel deserves 10x that. This is coming from someone who's been subscribed to many other popular vehicle enthusiast channels for years.

[@ovidiscool]

as a Z owner i can tell you that the Z has incredible potential compared to its stock form. im not even talking about power here. you put nice coilovers on it and fill out those wheel wells with good rubber. the car will put up a wild fight against a similarly moddified porsche of the same caliber.

[@bispal]

Thanks James, great comparison. Got me thinking about the often used term 'moral victory'. Where do you stop with the moral victory does an MX5 take the moral victory over a McLaren? The law of diminishing returns applies to almost everything, cars, HiFi, watches, restaurants. Shouldn't a victory just be a victory at whatever the cost? Surely that's why things cost more. The additional engineering and quality that goes into development and manufacture to give something an edge. If something costs less AND is better then something more expensive then that's a moral victory, if it costs less and isn't quite as good then surely that's a victory to the more expensive car. Just posing the question, perhaps I'm wrong? I don't really know?? Cheers.

[@fjalics]

The moral victory obviously goes to the Tesla Model 3 performance. Fast as hell, quiet, fuel efficient, and no emissions.

[@aiGeis]

Much more extensive mod lists are readily available, off the shelf even, for the 350z. I dunno, if you're a car guy who wants a car with a particular character (i.e not willing to go lightest for the sake of an engine or body) but is still mainly focused on oh, I dunno, PERFORMANCE, then you'll see why a 350z is a good pickup over the 911.

[@seanmcmanus9656]

McLarens are still pretty raw though. The p1 will take a lot of corners sideways

[@hadrien4089]

the 350z is so sexy in this blue

[@MyBlueZed]

I really enjoyed your review. I own a 2001 986 Boxster S and a 2003 350Z Track and I adore them equally. Both have their +s & -s and I cannot pick a favourite.

[@yohanjananto548]

996 = Surgeon's scalpel 350Z = Blacksmith's Sledgehammer

[@millenniumzeek]

Cute but I don't think so

[@dj_paultuk7052]

For the last few months ive actually been contemplating buying a 350Z as a second car, just for some fun at the weekends. Their MPG is pretty poor overall, so not something you would really want as a daily driver. They seem to be amazing value for money, but from the ones ive seen they dont seem to wear very well on the insides. The plastics seem to get beaten up pretty badly, so all the facia panels look like someone has been dusting the interior with a brillo pad. So my hunt will go on and try to find one in acceptable condition. The chap from the "Road and Race" channel brought the cheapest one in the UK and spend some time restoring it. Looks stunning now.

[@banjopete]

DJ_PaulTUK , do it! I did.

[@03056932]

get the nastiest one, the Interior plastics are cheap to replace and you can get the seats recoloured for a few hundred quid

[@Charles-jo8ub]

Everyone says fuel is poor they are using 87octane is going to burn faster engine is not tuned for 87 it's tuned for 91-93 octane I drive about 114 miles a week and use a little from half tank of gas I fill up at half a tank 93octane so I could go two weeks on a tank if I want. And people are flooring the car at every stop light why don't I have no gas duhhhh lol

[@waltermelonz1487]

One of my father's friends was in the same boat years ago. He had a boxster to px. The dealer (Porsche) of course were eager to get him in a 911. He test drove the 350z (later model with more power) and he said in terms of performance it "felt" quicker than the 911. On reflection though he went with the 911. I think the badge was too strong a pull. Arguably although the 911 was more expensive the 350z values have dive bombed. So he did see more back at the end. Of course the upkeep of the car main dealer serving etc was crippling.

[@disturbed250]

He should have got an HR... Thats the rev up 'inbetween model' '... Hope he keeps an eye on the oil lol still a great car.

[@banjopete]

disturbed250 , 06.

[@Ben_Z33]

hr got 6 hp more then the rev up model in the video and weight is a bit more

[@disturbed250]

Its the oil issue I was more referring to. And its willingness to use a lot and if you dont keep an eye on It... Bye bye engine lol yes.. I was an HR owner lol

[@Hypersonik]

@@Ben_Z33 Officially it has 13bhp more in the UK but, when you drive them back to back, the engine is more than that.

[@pushhrodd01]

disturbed250 you’re another one of those people that was really misinformed and like to spread misinformation. You act like every single DE in the world burns a shit ton of oil. The revups yes had a ring manufacturer defect and the majority of them got fixed. You’ll know by blowby smoke going through your exhaust. I owned a DE and my buddy owns a revup G35. We don’t burn oil during our oil changes. It’s because we don’t dog them and we change our oil every 3000. If you take care of it’s good. I’m now a owner of a 2007 HR roadster which is a lot better. But please stop acting like every DE burned oil.

[@cupidsconfidant2434]

i just brought a 2004 911 996 cabriolet, love it. I also have a 2007 350Z and a 2003 350Z.

[@DietPizza1]

I’ve got a 350 with a 35r turbo kit and a tuned 996TT. The Z is more fun but because I made it my own

[@Salubrious101]

You're wearing that jacket for a bet right....... Please say yes.

[@ciaranocallaghan8080]

What’s wrong with it

[@bjandtanks898]

You were not snooty in any way, it was a pleasure to watch this video!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks

[@ehhhh9287]

I haven't watch the video yet, but I mean, before watching it I can already say you'd be fairly mad to grab a 996 over Nissan as an entry sports car. Not because of performance - but because there are a fair few lemons in the 996 world. At the end of the day, they're not the cheapest to work on. I'm not even bringing in the IMS bearing failures because they're quite rare and most have probably been sorted anyway. Edit: I'm a total 911 fanboy.

[@carlmurphy3163]

I had both side by side for a cpl years... the 350z was fun... especially for drifting but the porsche is a much better car hence still have it and 350z has gone... not to mention 8 or 9 years ago both were pretty much same value 🤣 3 years later the 350z was only £4000 and 996 hadnt dropped.. if anything gained value... now the 350's are even cheaper and 996s climbing to the point the gap between 996 and 997 is getting smaller as 997 still falling and will continue to do so... but then thats just values... where it matters is behind the wheel and the 996 is deffo the better car... yeah id have a 350 again but only for a drifter... of which they are very good out the box 😜🤙

[@keyo525]

Have to build the jacket collection with a Michelin limited edition lol .

[@aslangt4137]

Very interesting comparison! I'm a Z enthusiast myself. Part of the reason is the price but I also like the fact that they are much rarer on the roads here in Finland while Porsches are very popular hobby cars. I've had two 350Zs and currently have a 370Z.

[@KK-hy6zn]

Hows the 370z? I was confused between the 350z and 370z? Like which one do you think is better, the auto or the manual?

[@aslangt4137]

@@KK-hy6zn I've never owned an auto Z, only test drove a 370Z auto but it wasn't for me so went for a manual. Just like it more in a sports coupe. The syncro rev matching is especially nice in the 370Z. I would say there is not that big of a performance difference between a 350Z and the 370z, especially if the 350Z is equipped with the HR motor ('07-'08 model year). The 370z cabin is a bit more refined compared to a 350Z. Both are good platforms to start making your own build.

[@Fee.1]

I gotta tell you man youtube would suck without your videos

[@martingregory5955]

I have a BMW 530i wagon msport and love it but wanted a fun toy along side. I drove a SLK350 which was "nice" then I got in a Boxster and started it. That second was the WOW moment. The rumble, the feel of the whole car and the sound. I wasn't looking at the interior but feeling something alive. Thats the difference to me. Its now in my garage.

[@hansmuller6661]

Glad the loud clothes are back, the last video had me worried

[@primaltone]

Necro post: I purchased a 350Z track edition new in 2003. I owned the car for 8 years and knew it well. I was able to test drive a 2011 911 Carerra(?) several years later and came to my conclusion: the 911 was faster and better, but it was not twice the Nissan. In fact, it made me appreciate how good the Nissan is.

[@Acquit808]

996.2 C2 with full leather, sport seats, Fister exhaust, RoW 030 suspension, 997 shifter, aero kit and LN engineering IMS fix for the win. At that point, truly not apples to apples... but really no comparison.

[@tomaszkiryk556]

This guy is the only guy that keeps repeating; that the 350Z is built on a saloon platform of old. In fact, the wheelbase is shorter than the rest of its family. Who knows whether or not the rest of the cars that fallowed were not based on the 350z platform, with a longer wheelbase and less desirable frame and suspension, just as the VQ in the 350Z is stronger. Being an owner of a 350Z for many years, and working under it, including having the transmission and engine separated for clutch work, I can tell you it looks nothing saloon under there. The gear shifter is perfectly centered in between the four wheels. The weight is almost perfectly distributed with 53 in front, 47 in rear. The 996 and 350Z were complete overhauls of their predecessors. A lot of reviews rush into this car not understanding that the High Rev has less torque than the first generation; at 274-foot pound. The pros of a 350Z are only understood when it grows on you.

[@jasonjuggler3457]

incredible quality, very educating in an entertaining way.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou

[@michaelbrinks8089]

The Nissan 350Z is way more bang for the buck. It's weight ratio is like 53% front 47% rear very well balanced for handling while the Porsche is 39%F 61%R so it's going to have more weight over the rear tires and a better grip for acceleration in a straight line but not handle quite as well in corners. The Nissan 350Z can be modded with better upgraded parts for cheaper and be more reliable. If you want a Porsche what I would do I buy/build a sleeper Nissan 350z then find some cocky rich guy with a Porsche and race him title for title.

[@_ArsNova]

996 is a great car, but the Cayman is the best first sports car imo. Though it does spoil you by being mid-engine, if you eventually wanna upgrade to the rear-engine 911.

[@joedirt8625]

Plain Jane Optioned C4s. Lots of dress up Interior options were available for the 996 Interior. Just The Full leather and carbon Fiber Package goes a long way. Cheers, Great Content.

[@stewills9711]

< you know which option I took. More of a starter Porsche than the Boxer so I have no regrets. :)

[@KnightIndustries572]

Interesting comparison, but the car's are not market competitors by a massive massive margin. Of course the 911 is 'better' until you start servicing and repairing it. Even the vastly improved 370Z is less than a quarter of the price in my market new (Australia). You'll be forking out 3 times the price on the used car market. Unless you have very deep pockets, a used Porsche is certainly a no go zone for anyone who earns a typical income.

[@computerhelpcc]

996 C2 with no extras feels notably livelier than C4 driven back to back. However, the 996 is certainly going to cost more than the Z. I bought my 996.1 for $12k from second owner with full maintenance records and a thumbs up PPI I paid for by Porsche dealer closest to seller. Replaced the IMS with proper LN Engineering part immediately because NO ONE can predict IMS failure. Three years later I have spent $8,000 replacing parts that wore out

[@TheChocolateChamp]

Jesus that's just crazy

[@mx3fto]

The rev jump in the nissans is for "seamless downshifts". The 370 has the same system. I do believe it can be turned off but it makes downshifting a lot easier if you don't tend to blip the throttle when changing down.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's not the rev match that you have in the 370

[@mx3fto]

@@JayEmmOnCars Ah you are correct. I thought the later 350s had it as well but I was wrong. Not a fan of the idea personally as it takes away some of the fun of driving but for a track I can see why it would be a good thing.

[@marmaladebrah]

jay's commentary is so iconic

[@yesmikelike5938]

Having owned a 2010 911, that stayed in the service department more then my garage and really isn’t that fast, but has a silky smooth manual shifter. It’s slow and I was embarrassed by people in Subuaru STI, Camaro, Mustangs etc. and I had a $85,000 car that sounded like a blender. I owned a 2014 370 z for $32,000 that was fast, albeit the shifter wasn’t as smooth. But it was a joy to drive. Both cars are a joy to drive, but I could have saved $55,000 with a 370z and bought a used Ford Raptor or a new Jeep Wrangler or a used Jeep SRT, or a used C7 Zo6 corvette. I have to be honest, I’ve owned 4 Porsche’s latest one was a 2013 Boxster S, I’m over it, I have a 2017 zO6, a 2015 Mustang GT and a wrangler, my daily is a 2018 VW GTI manual and the enjoyment I get from that is equal to what I got from my 911. Porsche’s are overrated with the exception of the GT3, but even that isn’t worth $150,000.

[@Ovadose850]

YesMike Like I Disagree

[@SilverScarletSpider]

13:19 all you need to hear

[@mikec1096]

try 10:29, it sounds pretty good too

[@nnymu-tk6qb]

that jacket is genious

[@christopherlastname7638]

I worked at a Porsche dealer and they only came in for tiers brakes oil change they are really reliable!

[@juanc5149]

The 350z is about ten times cheaper to keep maintained and on the road. Literally. Not to mention it’s super simple to work on. At least so far.

[@robvision3888]

My uncle has a 996 and I have a 350Z. I drive both of them frequently around Mulholland drive/Coldwater Canyon area of Los Angeles. Both are capable vehicles out the box. All I have to say is spend $200 and install a Hotchkiss adjustable front sway bar an set it at the 3rd hole (82% stiffer) onto a 350Z. This single mod changes the handling capabilities of the car. It will allow for faster corner entry/exit speeds that bring is closer to what a 996 can do. Do not change the rear suspension, the spring rates/sway bar rates are already close to the Nismo spec and it doesn’t need much modding. This $200 mod changes a lot of the cars handling

[@G3LDY]

350z should be compared to a cayman, also these cars that are cheap are or will rot away I’ve had both I would Never pick the 350z over a 996

[@03056932]

just one example but I have an 04 Z driven all year and no rust

[@petrjerabek7641]

Very nice video James, enjoyed watching that. Was interesting to me, because i drive the C2 996 and also an Infiniti G37S as a more day to day motor. Which in fact technically is a 370Z on a longer wheelbase with 4WS system. And the difference in the steering feel and the different weight distribution is huge. It also feels much heavier car. Interestingly enough, the Infiniti is very capable of holding virtualy same speed on the road as the Porsche, can handle corners perfectly and does avoid understeer better than a 3 series BMW of the same age and power ( i mean the E90 335i for example). What is a difference to my opinion - is the sense of occasion or the way how special you feel any time driving a 996. And i think that is worth paying that extra money. I've got mine for nearly 3 years - yes there was a lot of maintenance done incl. an engine rebuild, but i really enjoy the car. The Nissan / Infiniti however, is a great daily motoring, has strong engine, suprisingly good handling, fantastic Bose stereo and was a total bargain to buy ( mine is model year 2012). Nice comparison really - i also try to tend owning different sports cars over time and have had few. The 2 i remained at is this old 996 C2 and a Lotus Elise 111R, which are probably cars i won't replace by any other cars in the future, because i really love driving both of them. Each is extremely different though. The Nissan/Infiniti was a this years purchase, just to try a Front engined japanese RWD car and after 6 month or so, becoming more and more surprised how good deal that was as opposed to a similarly old, but more expensive Audi A5 coupe or a BMW 330/335i.

[@obi9065]

Love the sound of the 996, its different.

[@mikec1096]

10:29, love it

[@georgehaynes394]

Very professional review! Impressed.

[@tradingcardboss]

🔥🔥Jay you could add Poll Cards to allow us to vote on which car we prefer 🔥🔥

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Nice idea

[@Fee.1]

Also define fruity please. This wasn’t a platform that was taken from a sedan. The FM(front midship) platform debuted with the 01 skyline and therefore the only sedan that was eventually made with it required an adapted/stretched variant called Enhanced midship platform, and then the next GT-R was an all new “premium midship”. But yea, proper platform more or less. Proper enough for the skyline.l

[@vincentmeredith2561]

Love my 350z but almost nothing is stock at this point everything ive upgraded has been for performance except for the paint paint dosent help performace just looks better than before

[@daevid21]

I doubt it you would have spent 100 grand for that lol

[@mohamedimardbrucelee8564]

Good comparison vid, I’ve got an ‘03 996 c4 which I love, the switchable exhaust note is so good I never use my stereo, my friend has an ‘03 350z which goes and sounds pretty damn good too and I really like it ,but I know which one we both like the best of the two ! But yeah his is worth a quarter of mine which is crazy really

[@mikek6049]

I miss my Zed :( sadly they are not child friendly. (and genuinely the cheapest car I have ever ran, it was bullet proof)

[@BatmanRZ]

911 interior looks average tbh, and wow does it sound average compared to the 350z

[@carlmurphy3163]

Having had both side by side... the 350z is all cheap plastic... nicely laid out... but feels cheap... although the seats were pretty good, the 996 still has some plastic but once colour code the horse shoe and other bits including the hard backs on sport seats option it transforms the car alot... there is leather everywhere.. and feels quality... eveything is solid personly feel its a great place to be sat and dont understand peoples hate for it... compared to 987/997 etc id rather the 996... my 7 series bmw dash is all plastic... and way cheaper feel to my 996... again its half the age of my 996 and has worn worse than the 996 and various cracks in plastics here and there... 996 all is great still 22 years down the line yeah its pretty basic... but its a sports car... my mk1 mx5 dash is way way worse but when your driving them you shouldnt be worried about the dash 🤣🤙

[@fakhourikakeesh5527]

Got my 350z last year and so glad for it its totally exceeded expectations, though to be fair it had nearly 10k spent on it but still who wants to drift a 911? The 350z is a cheeky little madam who likes to stick her bum out and wants you to feel it

[@mrlong6267]

Get an S2k or e46 m3. Got both and I couldn’t be happier....

[@TopSecretVid]

Love my 350 Nismo..

[@Yeoldelole]

Really well put together and comprehensive video. ONLY thing lacking: a drag race! (You can tell I am American)

[@voivod6871]

i think that compering similar things is more useful because the differences may be more difficult to spot.But great vid all the same.

[@805NAVE]

I think this is a perfect comparison and i think the 350z wins this comparison too. Both are great looking, fun to drive, but the 350z sounds glorious, looks just as good, if not Better, and is a fraction of the price! And in my opinion, i think the 350z interior looks nicer. The center stack/console flows nicer. Has navigation.

[@robertl2856]

Love the variety of your items thanks

[@SSDracerSD]

Always wanted a 350z

[@stewills9711]

Get one, you wont regret it. Just make sure you buy the right one. A bad one will ruin your life.

[@tomwebb7091]

The 350z doesnt have a Bose soundsystem and Bose Blows anyway. Its mainly Grundig iirc 🤔

[@tz6414]

Interesting comparison, I've always wondered too.

[@inaj27]

I own both a 996 and a 350z , I love both but in different ways . 350z gives me that Street grit vibe with its mods and it still looks good however the 996 comes with a historical legacy with more class , precision and power when your really pushing it at high speeds .

[@MHolt9999]

Maybe that 350z clutch switch might need revisiting/setting to avoid those rev bounce issues mentioned. If the clutch pedal releases the drive before the switch says so (due to bad switch setting/positioning) ECU will maintain engine power for too long causing the rev bounce issue.

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

Fascinating!!!

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Nice cars! Great video.Porsche Cayman S is a bargain at the moment 🍻👍

[@blackflagpirate3444]

ray h. What? Never said it before you donut 😂

[@jamesdrichardson3447]

Ah, I was waiting for someone to point that out, he should've done a 3 car review including the Cayman S, I know what would come out tops. Even the Base Cayman will be a much better drive than these 2 then the S model takes it a step further.

[@petergouldbourn2312]

I love your shows Jay. Pete. 🇬🇧

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

I'd take the 350z and would have plenty of dough for beer at the pub !

[@trails3597]

10:10 996 Alien 991!

[@graemew7001]

I would have the 911 just so that I could tick it off my motoring bucket list but I'll be honest though, what you're saying about the 350Z makes complete sense and I'd probably replace the 911 with one or a 370Z for the long term.

[@vikd4292]

cool comparison!!

[@POVShotgun]

Idk having sat in a 996 I’d say the interior is pretty good. No creaks whatsoever and that’s all I ask for.

[@johanwikstrom5671]

Hey, idk if you read the comments on older videos but I was wondering what you think is the better car between a 350z and a 130i? I know you've owned the latter so I thought I'd ask.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Very different cars. The 350 is much more fun though and more exciting.out of the box

[@johanwikstrom5671]

@@JayEmmOnCars Interesting. I've been looking for a sportier daily driver for a while now and I've been leaning towards the 130i but perhaps the 350z is the way to go then. The practicality of the 130i is definitely a big plus though... Anyways thanks for the response!

[@klubstompers]

Id rather have one 911, than four 350z's. It is worth 4 times the price, cause you could sell it for 4 times the price. It will hold, its price, if not even double in years to come, and the z, might double to, but at a 1/4 of the value.

[@henshaw3826]

May as well have 8 x 350z by the time you factor the engine blowing up.

[@Ben_Z33]

And costs about 3 times more then the nissan too fix 😏

[@klubstompers]

@@henshaw3826 I know a couple people with 350z sitting in the yard with blown engines, but don't know anyone with a broke down Porsche, just people that fix em up, drive em, and show em.

[@henshaw3826]

@@klubstompers car forums are your friend. Go read about all the folk crying about bore score and IMS failures. 350z blow up because people dont look after them and drive them like they stole them.

[@brianjoyce9742]

Perfect evaluation

[@Fee.1]

Does the interior feel quality in the Porsche ? To me it’s appearance has always been the issue, not so much the quality. Does it have the bmw type of solidness and clicky buttons etc ?

[@john-paulong8012]

Yes

[@Year]

Should've gotten an HR to test

[@Year]

Regardless great review!

[@artgrusensky121]

jay, you really got to the point BUT looking for a good 6 speed manual and considering the hefty boutique price of a 996/997 I would think the civic type R or the GR Corolla with their rock of gibralter dpendability wins the day. Forty to 50k for the porche and its a crapshoot how much maintenance you will get hit with not to mention EXPENSIVE repairs.

[@artgrusensky121]

and you still get 300 hp plus the hatch which is huge and way practical. Am I comparing apples and oranges? The Corolla offers 200k of no repairs,rev. limiter, no slip differential and 4wd too. How can you lose? yes, it does not have the elan of the Porche. but what price glory?

[@IronicTonic8]

I drove both and made my choice 3 years ago. I went with the 996. It’s been a great car, but I do highly recommend you install an upgraded LN Engineering IMS bearing if you intend to keep it for a few years. Maintenance will cost a bit more so be prepared for that. The driving experience of the 911 is it’s selling point. It’s unique and I love it. If you don’t immediately fall in love with the 911 driving experience then don’t bother.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The LN Engineering IMS has a failure rate as well. Get a 1999 996 with the dual row bearing instead.

[@IronicTonic8]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 Any bearing will fail given enough time. I certainly don't expect it to last forever. It has a stated change interval of 75k miles, so if I end up keeping the car that long then I'll make sure it's changed out before the 75k mark. The LN Engineering bearing has and an improved design over the original dual and single row bearings, neither of which were designed for use an an automotive application, which is why the seals wear out and leak leading to bearing failure. The bearing in my 996 was original with more than 100k miles on it when I bought the car. I'd prefer to take my 'chances' with an improved bearing design over either of the original factory bearings. It's true the dual row bearing had a lower failure rate. It's estimate to fail around 1% of the time compared with the recorded 8% failure rate of the single row (failure rates measured within the first 90k miles). Unfortunately I haven't seen any data to compare the failure rate of the LN Engineering bearing, and I doubt there's enough data out there to extrapolate any real statistics. As you can see, I have done my homework on this subject. The decision to use the LN Engineering bearing was not one that I made lightly. I have 25k trouble free miles on the LN bearing now, and I'd be happy to admit I was wrong if the bearing fails before 75k miles, or if someone can prove the LN Engineering bearing has a higher failure rate than the original dual row.

[@keyo525]

I'm sorry but I could slag off the 996 catastrophic engine failures all day long , however the interior is not poor quality, dont confuse a retro interior as poor quality, the leather seats and leather dash are A1 quality, much better quality then modern cars, has beautiful high quality Alcantara roof trim . Quality carpets the list goes on .

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I agree. I had 996 without the leather dash and it was still of excellent quality. I sold it because I just couldn't get comfortable in the car. Didn't like the interior ergonomics.

[@Sierra747]

Nice comparison video. Not sure I’d ever buy either as I drove my mates old 350 and I didn’t find it very quick n/a engines just aren’t my thing. But it was a nice manly heavy feeling car though. If I was to ever buy Porsche it would have to be a turbo.

[@TheScudabear1]

HR stands for high response not high rev

[@carlmurphy3163]

Going back about 8 years ago funny enough these were 2 of my short list cars to buy back then though they were near enough both around the £8/9000 price range... all beit top end of 350zs and lower end of the 996... i went for the 996 and still have it... an early 98 C2 with factory gt3 kit lsd etc and still love it to bits but have always seen the 2 as quite comparible in terms of styling/body shape and performance... a few years later the 350zs had halved in price so after selling my boxster a 350z joined the 996's side... and to be fair side by side were fun but both simmilar and differant... as youve said 996 is more precise, but i found the 350 to be fun in other ways as could enjoy a wet roundabout or 2 😉 but then didnt feel as reassuring when pushing it as its tendancies were more drifty in nature where as the porsche 911 layout just gives so much rear end grip in comparison... needless to say the 350z has gone but the 996 remains... and it will so for much longer, another plus side is the 996 has gained in value where as 350z has dropped alot in those 8 years... for me the 996 is the much better car... the 350z however compared to a boxster would work well as both now simmilar pricing and both 2 seaters truth be told though id have another z or boxster as enjoyed both Nice to see both cars reveiwed side by side though, your point with price differances based on todays values make me think about the 996 C2 and a 996 gt3... is there really £60k differance in value? Makes me feel the 996 C2 is even more bang for its buck when look at it like that 😉

[@TheRenagadewaters]

Try the 996 turbo and you will understand why they are 4 wheel drive. Without 4wd one could get into trouble very quickly. Thus the term widowmaker for the older 2 wheel drive turbos😁🤞

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Except this isn't a turbo

[@Siphus]

I've kept my 2005 GT Z stock except intake and I love it. It was owned by an old lady before me and she put 60k on it in ~9 years. Just hit 120k miles yesterday :( Everything has been great for the most part. Lots of front bumper and interior paint chips, threw in new spark plugs and valve cover after I found some oil leakage and put in a new clutch cylinder. Everything else is basic maintenance. This is my first Japanese car I've ever had after exclusively owning German cars. I'm very very happy with my purchase. Best used sports car for the value right now. Especially if you can find one that hasn't been dogged like mine.

[@bubble75204]

That's the bloke from Shaun of the Dead.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yeah that's him

[@rian8867]

@@JayEmmOnCars hot fuzz

[@looped7979]

8:40 Drive the 350z in the wet/rain and dare to say that again

[@Dontlookatiteatit]

Keep up the hard work. People will keep subscribing.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou

[@MurderSTi]

I've owned both. 996 all the way. 996 was more reliable by far, and much more fun to drive. The 996 was also way quicker. All the Z had on the 911 was the price.

[@unkameatgoodbar2315]

I don’t care about the inside...the 911 is my all time favourite car...change my pleninium,change my air intake and exhaust,upgrade the suspension and tires,front spoiler and rear spoiler.....let’s ride...

[@andipajeroking]

You are one of the few people who categorize correctly the 350Z/Supra/Skyline. GT's, not sports car per se.