car compare

[mulcibre]

there are two cars in my price range right now:
protege mp3
nissan 300zx (on of the slightly newer models, not boosted)

the mp3 clearly wins for handling, but I've heard the 300zx strongly recomended and it looks bad-ass. the acceleration and sheer power puts the zx above the mp3 for straightline, but its hard to turn down 70mph slaloms for the mp3 when I live on a twisty road. If anybody knows about a nissan 300zx forum, or has any good suggestions, I'd love them. (my price range is 6-10 grand)

 

[Captain KRM P5]

the 300zx is a pretty portly ride isn't it? rather heavy car? test drive both and see which you like best. i imagine there is several years gap in bewteen the two cars being that the 300zx has been out of production for a few years now

 

[apexlater]

Do you need the passenger room? Do you need good gas mileage?

The insurance on the 300 will be much more than the MP3, should probably be a consideration. Also, be prepared to get very good at using your side mirrors because visibility out the back of the ZX is horrible. The 300 is heavy, but has alot of aftermarket support.

MP3 is going to be noisier, clunks and wind noise, etc. You may have a tendency to drive the 300 faster, but that doesn't mean you won't wad up either car. I'm not saying that you'll drive squirrely, but the MP3 will boost your driving confidence because of its handling.

Figure out what your needs are out of the car and go from there. BTW, the MP3 doesn't come with cruise control or ABS but has a kick ass stereo.

 

[blynzoo]

I second the better handling of the MP3.
But also must second the EXCELLENT and relatively inexpensive aftermarket for the z.

 

[TDRP MP3]

mp3 cause after 100k miles the heads on the VG30de have a tendacy to go to crap and start dropping vavles
also the 300 zx is rather portly.. and u will notice it when u start to do things to it.. it weights in at around 3200 lbs.. curb weight
mp3 is 2720 curb weight

 

[mulcibre]

what with me being in a state of unemployment at worst, and entry level dirtpay at best, I would have to honestly say I'd rather have the lighter, more economical car. As cool as the ZX looks and sounds, everything bows to the mighty oil barrel and insurance company. My friend Pete had an old chevy beretta, which was outrageously heavy, since it was made mostly of steel. Thinking back, that may not have been such a good idea.
You bring up the noise problem, what is the trademark mp3 "clunk"?
Anything else I should know about the mp3?

 

[Captain KRM P5]

You bring up the noise problem, what is the trademark mp3 "clunk"?
Anything else I should know about the mp3?

the clunk is caused by a rear swaybar bushing which can be replaced through the dealer

 

[Jhova1012]

I say go for the MP3. Will be much cheaper to insure. Your 16 thats red flag one and when that Twin Turbo pops up you will need to sell your left testicle just to insure the car. has four doors so you can cart your friends around, has four doors so people wouldnt expect you to hang with "real sports cars" on a twisty road... Its also one of the best looking four doors ever IMO on this side of the STi and EVO. Kind of low on power but thats okay. Your young, as am I so you dont need a 250hp car. Sure, I can drive just fine but all it takes is a friend and sooner or later that twin turbo six will get you.

And if your not looking at the TT 300ZX then MP3 hands down.