370z vs Benz A250 AMG

[pologti2012]

Before you mention I know both these cars are totally different... thinking about moving on from my 2012 Polo GTI later this year and for around 20k one can pick up 2013 Mercedes A250 or Nissan 370z 2010/11 each with 20-25k miles on the clock

The Mercedes has enough power and looks a bit more flamboyant to the Golf GTI, BMW 125i, a3 etc. I'm really looking for more road prescence/flair on the next car as the past 3 have been hatches. There is obv practicality in the Benz but im not sure whether the A250 really stands out from your typical A class in the eyes of your average person. In contrast the Polo GTI with the Monza Shadow Wheels looks totally different to the standard Polo. The GTI brand has crossed over into mainstream more

The 370z despite being the less practical, higher running costs etc will always be a rare sight on the roads. Im not sure whether the novelty would wear off though. I still v much like my current car and feel the next one would have to be a step up

[Db4193]

Has to be the 370z. Rwd, 3.7l and a big fat arse. What more could you want 

If you can stretch go for a nismo 370z. Hands down one of the nicest cars available in general never mind just in its price range 

[barrym381]

Has to be the 370z. Rwd, 3.7l and a big fat arse. What more could you want 

a 986 with a german badge 

[Db4193]

Has to be the 370z. Rwd, 3.7l and a big fat arse. What more could you want 

a 986 with a german badge 

Not really comparable. Ones more muscle and the other nimble. But those Porsches look well dated now, if the budget is at 20k I'd be looking at a Cayman s over a 986 boxter. Work mate drove one and said it was unbelievable, just gripped the road.
But out of the above it has to be the 370z. Especially if your after something with road presence, the a class's all look the same with the amg styling.

[barrym381]

Has to be the 370z. Rwd, 3.7l and a big fat arse. What more could you want 

a 986 with a german badge 

Not really comparable. Ones more muscle and the other nimble. But those Porsches look well dated now, if the budget is at 20k I'd be looking at a Cayman s over a 986 boxter. Work mate drove one and said it was unbelievable, just gripped the road.
But out of the above it has to be the 370z. Especially if your after something with road presence, the a class's all look the same with the amg styling.

the blue 370z I drove was nice and sounded great but interior was full of plastic and the ride was harsh 

[Adam]

No doubt the 370z will fall victim of its older brother and the prices will plummet drastically.

I fell foul of this with my old 350z

[Db4193]

No doubt the 370z will fall victim of its older brother and the prices will plummet drastically.

I fell foul of this with my old 350z

Hopefully lol, from a non owner perspective, I'd pick one up in a heartbeat 
I doubt the nismo will but as there isn't too many of them 

[Mr_Orange]

I'd say they are such different cars, you can't really compare the two. Fun, practicality or a healthy bit of both?
Maybe fairer to compare the Merc against 4dr RS3 or R32?
Then the Nissan against modern 3Dr performance Golf or Porsche like others suggested?
Nice budget though, so spend it wisely and definitely consider the depreciation ;-)

[Adam]

Another thing check out is the service costs of the Z. Parts are uber expensive and back in the day only "master techs" could work on them, bumping up the hourly rate.

[MS1COYS]

Difficult call. I'd have to say 370z if you want to mod, but if you're staying standard, Merc. The latter has a serious front end too!