I had almost your identical car. We had a 03 350z enthusiast in the merlot (deep cherry metallic) color with the shiftable clutchless 5 speed auto and 3 months ago traded it on a evo. The 350 was great, loved the rear wheel drive but overall the evo destroys it. Only small problem ive had was the Evo was the tire noise, which is MINIMAL compared to the 350, which is known for that problem, and we even got 2 brand new front tires for it from nissan. Furthermore, the 350 was horrible on snow or most wet conditions, i remember fishtailing in rain on the highway going 60, ended up drifting through a gap between two cars and then thankfully managed to straighten it out. I dotn want to sound like im bashing the 350, i loved that car, jus the evo has many more stong points i think the 350 lacks.
Overall, we wanted a 4 door, not sacrificing any (or little) power, and have all wheel drive for winter use. The evo was the perfect car. With recaro seats, brembo brakes (which only come on the track 350z), and a massive turbo...i very much see the evo as a upgrade.

 

There's no such 350Z color as "merlot." The color you are describing sounds like "Brickyard" which was only available on the '03 Z, and then was discontinued.

 

How much are used evo 8's nowadays, i'm not sure if i want the RS, because i want some condiments, and this evo 8 thing isn't something thats happening soon, maybe the beginning of next year

 

Hey groovytang. I'm on 350zmotoring too as 3 FIFTY Z. (this is silverevo8owner's brother posting)

A lot of people have been moving to EVO's lately and have seemed to be pleased. The fun factor will be greater than the EVO, and it's most generally a quicker car than the Z. From a roll, the Z does have the advantage. But you'll find the EVO is much more easily modded, where with the Z it's so hard to get power out of it unless you blow 6 grand plus installation on some type of FI.

Plus it will be WAY more practical than the Z.

Spring, summer, fall, winter in an EVO > part of the year in a Z.

 

Wow critical in a way that only the Brit's can be.

 

Is the reason from a roll f/i vs. n/a such as evo 8 and 350z, because of the faster engine response of the 350z compared to some turbo lag on the evo 8?

 

Yes, well this could be part of the reason. The EVO doesn't have too much turbo lag but the Z could still get the jump having low end power. And the stock EVO has a boost taper at higher RPM's. This can be fixed with a reflash or boost controller.

Also, AWD is a bit slower at speed. This is why you'll see lower trap speeds for an EVO than a Z if they run an identical time.

 

i know, i just tend to call the color that because it looks like merlot wine, and brickyeard sounds like it would be a brighter red like the color of a brick

 

I like the 350z, but I have driven a few of them and they are dogs.

 

The EVO will certainly RIDE better overall..
I have heard that the Z is bumpy and is loud as hell.

 

ride is terrible, my back hurt after only few miles
but the quality is the worst ive seen in few years

i mean i know some indian guy designed it and its built in us, but nissan should have quality controll checks here and there

 

I am a former Z owner too. I loved my Z, but that thing has to be the most impractical car out there. Who puts the glove box behind the passenger seat? Try get anything more than a duffle bag or 2 in the trunk...if you want to call it a trunk. Also, when it is about 30 degrees, it is always fun to take an easy turn and have the car spin like a top. That is without snow on the ground. I did not have the feathering problem or any problem for that matter. What I do miss are the sexy looks of the Z. You put 19's and a drop, you have one of the most beautiful cars on the road.

I am happy that I have an Evo, but I think the build quality of the Z was much better. This is only my opinion. I have a stock Evo with no mods except a panel filter, and my car is rattling and squeeking in the worst ways. The steering wheel is starting to get the jitters, and my seats are bubbling.

In the twisties the Evo is way more fun, but on the highway I really liked the Z. Both cars have there positives and negatives, I am happy with my choice. Since the 05's are out, it is a no brainer...go with the MR.

 

Yeah, it is built in the US. I knew I wasnt going crazy.

 

This is a surprise.

I have heard of the seats and rattles...

But the steering wheel??

So my question is, what were the "Z" issues??

I heard clutch/transmissions ALL the time..