[because_murica]

A recent topic of discussion amongst friends was whether the Z (all gens) was/is considered the Japanese 911.

To be fair, I think we can all concede that a Z is not necessarily in the same category as a 911 - however, in spirit, aren't the two cars very similar, especially the forthcoming Z? Small-ish sporty coupes with decent power, old-school/timeless/classic design language (especially with respect to headlight design) intended for those seeking an agile, quick, but practical car.

The below article does a decent job of summarizing additional similarities, but more so in terms of how the Zs of old are growing in value and popularity as the air-cooled Porsches have in the last 10 years.

Is the Nissan Z poised to become the next 911?

Porsche used to ask, "Did you spend your youth dreaming about someday owning a Nissan?" For millennials and Gen-Zers, the answer is "Actually, yeah."

www.hagerty.com

Interested to hear opinions. Also, happy Friday!

 

[Rusty]

Out of all the top JDM cars I'd have to agree that the Z would be the closest to a "Japanese 911". Compared to other models that have had more drastic changes, the Z has for the most part kept it's overall shape and performance. Also it hasn't stopped production like other cars such as the Supra before it got revived.

 

[zenki]

I think so. No other Japanese car comes close enough. Although there are others that can trail behind it. The MR2 is one of them and being mid-engine can make it a better choice over the Z for some people.

 

[Donalex]

My MR2 Spyder was confused as a Boxster many times. When the hardtop was on, a 911.

I sure miss that car. Lightweight, mid-engined, responsive, and old school simplicity. My Z32 is more like a Grand Tourer like an Audi or Lexus.

 

[takemorepills]

Maybe the NSX would be more appropriate.
The Z might be more of "BMW Coupe" parallel.

The 911 has defined itself as almost always near the top of the performance pile, consistently through the years. It has rarely wandered or made any missteps. And, cost no object.

The Z, however, sometimes seems to not know what it wants to be. Like in the late 70's through the entire 80's.

I would agree, that the adherence to a cohesive design philosophy over the lifespan of the Z would be similar to the 911, but once performance and cost are taken into account, they are very dissimilar.

The NSX doesn't have as long of a history, but in Gen 1 was a huge deal and is still coveted to this very day, and the Gen 2 definitely has the incredibly expensive pricing and very impressive stats to kind of exist in the 911 strata.

Maybe a Skyline would be a better choice of Nissan to compare to iconic, expensive, all-out performance that can/could approach a 911?

 

[neeyee8]

No its not because of GTR. Its also been held back because of GTR. The Z should be the halo car until R36 returns in 2-3 years.

My opinion is they should can the GTR for the next 7 years developing a hybrid ICE version under a new platform on the way to electrification. The Z can be developed with different trims. Including an all wheel drive version with 200+ more horsepower. They can also consider a 4 seater more practical version.

Z sells more. I watched the shareholders meeting. A shareholder mentioned Toyota. I think Toyota are a different league altogether. Nissan are slowly recovering losses though.

The Z has a better shape, more appealing as a potential supercar. Nissan wont do that though.

 

[280driver]

I think it started out that way. The 911 and S30 Z’s were basic sports cars. Light, easy to maintain and focused on traditional sports car values. The 911 has pretty much stayed true that over the years while the Z has strayed. The Z35 could very well get the Z back on track. I sure hope so.

 

[S30R32]

The Z35 needs to be hybridized or EV'd QUICKLY to be ahead of the competition and be upfront in technology and performance. This will make it popular in the years ahead instead of quietly disappearing, full ICE technology is going away rapidly. This is the main reason I want the Z35 as a final breed of ICE sports car.

The Porsche 911 Hybrid Might Be Inching Closer to Reality

A debate is roiling within Porsche as to the approach, arrival time, and whether one should even exist at all. But a 911 hybrid seemingly has fans in high places.

www.motortrend.com

Meanwhile, keeping eyes on the Pikes Peak hillclimb, that Model S Plaid driven by Pobst is a beast and previews the future of performance!

 

[triso07]

The Z is definitely the cheaper more affordable 911.

 

[neeyee8]

The Z35 needs to be hybridized or EV'd QUICKLY to be ahead of the competition and be upfront in technology and performance. This will make it popular in the years ahead instead of quietly disappearing, full ICE technology is going away rapidly. This is the main reason I want the Z35 as a final breed of ICE sports car.

The Porsche 911 Hybrid Might Be Inching Closer to Reality

A debate is roiling within Porsche as to the approach, arrival time, and whether one should even exist at all. But a 911 hybrid seemingly has fans in high places.

www.motortrend.com

Meanwhile, keeping eyes on the Pikes Peak hillclimb, that Model S Plaid driven by Pobst is a beast and previews the future of performance!

Porsche are only doing this for Boxster and Cayman. Theyre not in a rush to electrify the 911. They still have 8 years in Europe. Nissan will make the Z hybrid in a few years. Full EV is not necessary till 2035. Thats EU which is no longer a concern for Nissan anyway.

Z EV will have low appeal. Might as well make it a 4 seater coupe with artificial gears and sound actuator.....think ill stick to the old Z which are going up in value

 

[BobDigi5060]

No. I think it's more Japanese muscle car than anything. More Corvette than 911. More emphasis on power and rawness rather than finesse, feel, etc like the Porsche. Those have never been selling points. It actually feels like an insult to call it the "JDM" 911 and I've never owned a Porsche.