advice needed!!! Nissan 350z V VW Golf GTI

[ressla]

Starting my first job soon and decided its the time for a change of car!

I am pretty much torn between a used Nissan 350z or a VW golf gti.

Any advice would be great including any opinions on a 350z.
I know it would probably be hard for all you lucky GTI owners, but please be as unbiased as u can!!!

also any alternatives that anyone could think of besides these two cars would be great!

Thanks

[speedynz]

OK unbiased advice:

Both brilliant drives, 350z recently updated and uprated to 306bhp (gulp) complete with bonnet bulge to accommodate the new engine.

GTI more practical and the better everyday car but is 197bhp enough for you?

350z a little more focused and not as ubiquitous but lacking the VW's classless image.

In fact it's the 'chest wig' and 'gold chain' image that put me off of the Nissan.

If you can live with the image then it's difficult to argue with the Nissans grunt and quality chassis.

Have you considered an Edition 30 GTI with its unofficial but honest 245bhp and cost effective tuning potential to 300 bhp and beyond?

Still no power oversteer though!

[Hurdy]

If you are talking about a used 350Z or a new GTI, then the car would more likely be the one with 278bhp and no bonnet bulge. Bear in mind that the car is some 150+kg heavier than the GTI too. The 350Z is a lot less practical than the GTI, but I get the feeling that this may not register on your list of priorities for a car
  It is a hard call as I do like the 350Z, but don't like jap cars generally. Both cars will most likely be reliable, but my money would still go on a GTI. Partly because it is a GTI, partly because I like the agility of the car over the 350Z (which is more of a blunt instrument when it comes to handling...I've driven one!), partly because of residuals, partly because of fuel consumption and mainly because VAG flows through my veins

[SteveS]

all i can say is, if u dont need space and mpg then the 350z!!! love that car

[Manu_R32]

dont want to mention it but its a golf and the model starts with and R and the number 3 and 2 some where in it 

[pany]

What job is it?

If you need to carry anything, ignore the 350z. Huge beam between the rear arches gives you can't carry anything for work.

[R32UK]

dont want to mention it but its a golf and the model starts with and R and the number 3 and 2 some where in it 

Thats right!! Dont be shy to spell it out

I think if your looking at the 350z then the R32 has got to be a strong contender!!

Althought I cant help think the 350z looks a little dated now

[kingofdbrits]

I don't own a GTI so am unbiased towards it. I also prefer a NA engine so i own a CTR but between the two i would have a GTI all day.  I really don't like the looks of the 350Z and the GTI is way more fun on the twisties were i get my thrills.  In a straight line the 350z wins but for everything else the GTI beats the pants off it.

[john_o]

pretty different cars !

depends on your 'needs' re space and useability
If these are minimal and youve not had a sports coupe then its the 350Z
then you can move onto the GTI lol

BMW M3 E46 (these are awesome although depends on your price range for a good one, thoroughly recomended to scratch that rwd itch  )
Escort Cosworth !
Z3M ?
to name but a few.......I think you may have to narrow the criteria down a bit 

[08micsta]

In my opinion. The 350Z although brilliant (I did a track day in one once except was only a passenger) and seems to be a lot of fun I still get this Fast and Furious and Need for speed afterthought whenever I look at it...
(I know the GTI is also on Need for Speed)

To be honest I think the GTI is far more practical. Turns just as many heads if not more and also has a long history along with brilliant dealer services  (Sarcasm btw)

Try get a well specced Ed30 and if that does not do it for you. Then pressure yourself into the R32. Just please promise you wont start another ones of those GTI vs R32 threads. 

Mike