SC400 vs. 350Z

[Shiro Z31-T]

Ok first off I know this is kind of a stupid question but I'm trying to put a controversy to rest here at work. I usually pass on these kind of threads on the other forums I'm on but because I really don't know too much about the Lexus I thought I'd bite the bullet and just post up.

A buddy of mine just got an '04 350Z Enthusiasts edition and now I'm looking at getting a '98-'99 SC400. The story with us is that I've known him for about 5 years and we've always tried to outdo each other with our cars...

My question would be which car would be quicker light to light... say from 0-70mph? I'd say the SC because it has a torque advantage but then again the 350Z is a sports car as opposed to a luxo-sports coupe so he has a weight advantage... both cars would be stock..

what do you guys think?

on a somewhat different topic.. I noticed that the 95-97 SC400's have a lower rated output than the 98-99's (260hp/290hp respectively)... is it still the 1UZFE with minor updates or just a different motor? Like I said I'm still new to the Lexus crowd so I'm just trying to learn some...

 

[turboandrew]

350Z is probably 500+ lbs lighter, so be prepared. The launch will probably be a huge factor. The 98+ motors got vvti and are a bit more powerful.

I have essentially the same motor as the 350Z in my G35 (actually more powerful than the 04 350Z with 298 HP), and it is no slouch either.

 

[sc400rayray]

brake torque then go, it helps, i think u will have him the long run, a buddy had one never got to race him, his car got repoed,(poor sap) he said that mine was faster in the long run tho

good luck

 

[jibbby]

I can stay with a the first year generation Infinity G35's and also the 350Z Nissan 0-60mph in my 1992 SC400 without running on the juice...It's neck and neck as my best friend previously owned the G35..I had also raced a 350z going onto a freeway on ramp a year ago, again neck and neck...My bud recently leased the new G37 infinity with 50 more horses... I will get used without the nos when racing against that ride......

Those new G37's have some juice for a 6 banger...They sport 330hp, 3.7 liter DOHC VVEL V6 Engine... I was impressed for what it is...

Does anyone know what VVEL is? Is that like the VVTi?

 

[XR8tt]

Variable valve event AND lift.....

 

[jibbby]

Thank you sir......

I guess the VVEL is kinda like the VVti no? The systems both have Variable Valves......

 

[Ursus]

The 350z weighs in at 3339 sc400 at 3410. His greatest advantage over you is the 6 speed that and he should have about 50 more horses stock. Either way the sc should hold itself well considering.

 

[WDoherty]

Thank you sir......

I guess the VVEL is kinda like the VVti no? The systems both have Variable Valves......

no, it vvti is only valve timing, it seems vvel might control lift as well.

 

[jibbby]

Thanks WD you are right as usual.... How's the studies going?

How come Toyota engineering has gone with the VVEL systems, it sounds superior by nature?... I was thinking about the Lexus IS350 and this G37 and I think the G37 would smoke it...Those IS350 are a spunky to say the least...

Oh and by the way the Nissan 350Z wouldn't stand a snow balls chance in hell going head up against the G37 Infinity...Just for the record..

I thing the IS350 and the 350Z would be a close race maybe...

 

[Thermactor]

i must be in the minority here when i say that the 350Z will definitely outrun the SC, stock for stock

 

[jibbby]

I even dought the newer SC400's can hang, but maybe the SC430's stand a fighting chance... I guess we can always google thier quarter mile times...

 

[XR8tt]

The 360Z seems a tough engine..
Haltech are developing an anti knock system and have a 350z as a mule.
It spends alot of its time during development of the anti knock detonating its head off for testing purposes. Other times driven hard...
Still goes fine...Alot more durable than the older Nissan V6's....

 

[Ursus]

i must be in the minority here when i say that the 350Z will definitely outrun the SC, stock for stock

I didn't say the sc would win or necessarily be all that close. Just the sc would be respectable.

 

[jibbby]

A few exhaust mods and a torque converter and you will make it close... In addition to that add an ECU piggy-back and good tune, headers, and a BFI intake and you just might take him...150 nitrous shot and you will smoke em hands down.. Supercharger and nos combination and you will blow your tranny and engine right out of the car...He He...

 

[Ursus]

Supercharger and nos combination and you will blow your tranny and engine right out of the car...He He...

:bigok: i couldnt help but laugh

 

[jibbby]

Ok, enough guessing....I have taken the time to get all the factory times...(google 10 min.)

No stock SC's can take out the Nissan 350Z, not even the SC430's...What a shame...

This is the break down-----

1993 SC400 - 0-60mph 6.9sec 15.3 quarter
1995 SC400 - 0-60mph 6.7 15.2 @ 93mph
1998 SC400 - 0-60mph 6.3 14.7 97mph
2002 SC430 - 0-60mph 6.2 14.6

2003 Nissan 350z - 0-60mph 5.4 14.1
2004 Nissan 350z - 0-60 5.3 13.77

2003 Infinity G35 0-60mph 6.2 14.7


I think this clears up any doughts... Those 350z's have a little snap to them, I didn't know they were that fast....A truely sad day for all those stock Lexus SC owners...:34: :alcoholic:

 

[Ursus]

The 98's would really scare a 03 z owner but i think the only thing holding the 400's back is the auto transmission. The 350's you were looking at were they auto or manual?

 

[jibbby]

Manual.....