Best Nissan Z and 350Z/370Z Model Years (Ranked)

Nissan's modern Z car has spanned the 350Z, 370Z, and the current RZ34 Z since 2003, building on the legendary Datsun 240Z heritage. Across these three generations, certain model years stand out for improved power, fixed reliability quirks, and the best value on the used market.

This ranking covers the 10 best modern Z model years to buy, with real engine specs, transmission details, and current price ranges. Whether you want the newest turbocharged car, a bargain naturally aspirated coupe, or a track-focused NISMO, this guide matches the right Z to your budget and goals.

Direct Answer

The best Nissan Z overall is the 2023+ Nissan Z (RZ34) — a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0L VR30DDTT V6 that finally modernizes the platform with current technology and an available 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic. For shoppers who want the most car for the least money, the best value is the 2013-2020 370Z with the proven 332-hp VQ37VHR V6, often found in the mid-to-high $20,000s.

Track-day buyers should target the limited 370Z NISMO, the sharpest-handling Z before the new car arrived. Each option delivers the rear-drive, front-engine balance that defines the Z bloodline.

1. 2023-2024 Nissan Z (RZ34) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

The current RZ34 Z is the most capable Z Nissan has built. Its twin-turbo 3.0L VR30DDTT V6 makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft, a huge jump over the old naturally aspirated cars and a substantial torque advantage at low rpm. Buyers choose a 6-speed manual with rev-matching or a 9-speed automatic with launch control and paddle shifters.

The retro-modern styling deliberately nods to the original 240Z and the 300ZX, while the cabin finally gets a modern digital instrument cluster and updated infotainment. Value range: $43,000-$55,000 (Performance trim). Why it wins: real turbo power, a proper manual option, and modern usability the older cars lacked.

2. 2013-2020 Nissan 370Z (Z34) 💎 BEST VALUE

The late 370Z is the best value sports-car deal in the segment. Its 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 makes 332 hp with VVEL variable valve control, paired to a 6-speed manual featuring the industry-first SynchroRev Match auto-blip downshift system. By this point in the run, Nissan had sorted the early production bugs, and the aftermarket support is deep and affordable.

Clean examples land in the mid-to-high $20,000s, with higher-mile cars even cheaper. Why it ranks: a bulletproof V6, a sharp and communicative chassis, and an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio.

3. 2024 Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34)

The Z NISMO is the track-honed version of the new car. It bumps the twin-turbo VR30DDTT V6 to 420 hp, adds aggressive functional aero, stiffer dampers, wider wheels, grippier tires, and bigger brakes for sustained track use. It is automatic-only, which purists debate, but the launch-control acceleration and outright grip are the best in Z history by a clear margin.

Value range: $63,000-$72,000. Why it ranks: the most capable factory Z ever built, produced in limited numbers that should support future value.

4. 2009-2012 Nissan 370Z (Early Z34)

The launch 370Z brought a major leap over the 350Z: a shorter wheelbase, lighter aluminum body panels, and the 3.7L VQ37VHR (332 hp) with the first-ever SynchroRev Match manual. Early cars occasionally show oil-temperature sensitivity during hard track use, but the underlying platform is robust and easily addressed with a cooler.

As the cheapest way into a 370Z, prices start in the high teens to low $20,000s. Why it ranks: huge value with the same excellent engine as the later cars.

5. 2014-2016 Nissan 370Z NISMO

The 370Z NISMO is the driver's pick of the Z34 generation. It raises the VQ37VHR to 350 hp, adds a NISMO-tuned suspension, sticky tires, Recaro seats, a unique body kit, and a strut tower brace for added rigidity. It sharpens turn-in and high-speed stability noticeably over the standard car.

Value range: $30,000-$42,000. Why it ranks: the best-handling pre-RZ34 Z and an increasingly collectible limited model.

6. 2007-2008 Nissan 350Z (HR Engine)

The late 350Z is the one to buy in that generation. The revised 3.5L VQ35HR V6 makes 306 hp and revs higher and smoother than the earlier DE engine, directly fixing the most common complaint about early cars. These models also got a cleaner interior, improved cooling, and a stiffer chassis.

Value range: $15,000-$24,000 for clean, low-mile examples. Why it ranks: the best 350Z drivetrain at an accessible entry price.

7. 2023 Nissan Z Proto Spec (RZ34)

The Z Proto Spec was a 240-unit launch edition of the new car. It uses the same 400-hp twin-turbo VR30DDTT V6 but adds distinctive bronze wheels, yellow brake calipers, special seat stitching, and unique badging. As a numbered launch special, it carries collector appeal beyond the standard Performance trim and should hold value better.

Value range: $52,000-$60,000. Why it ranks: a limited-run, well-equipped version of the best modern Z.

8. 2005-2006 Nissan 350Z (Track / Rev-Up)

The mid-cycle "Rev-Up" 350Z raised the 3.5L VQ35DE to 300 hp and added a higher redline for a more eager feel. The Track trim brought Brembo brakes and lightweight Rays forged wheels, genuine performance hardware. It is a noticeable step up from the 287-hp earliest cars.

Value range: $13,000-$20,000. Why it ranks: more power and real track hardware at a low entry point for budget enthusiasts.

9. 2017-2020 Nissan 370Z Heritage Edition

The Heritage Edition 370Z marked the model's long production run with unique two-tone paint and bold side graphics on the proven late-car platform. Mechanically identical to the standard late 370Z — 332-hp VQ37VHR and sorted reliability — it adds visual distinction that sets it apart.

Value range: $26,000-$33,000. Why it ranks: a distinctive, well-sorted send-off for the Z34 generation.

10. 2003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Launch DE)

The first modern Z revived the nameplate after the 300ZX was discontinued. The 3.5L VQ35DE V6 makes 287 hp, and the FM platform handles well even by today's standards. Early cars consume some oil and have a basic interior, but as the cheapest Z available — often under $12,000 — it is a budget entry to rear-drive fun and a piece of the nameplate's revival history.

Why it ranks: historic relaunch significance and rock-bottom pricing.

Generations at a Glance

The modern Z line covers three distinct chapters, each with its own appeal and price point. The 350Z (2003-2008) revived the nameplate after the 300ZX and delivered raw, affordable rear-drive fun; within it, the 2007-2008 HR-engine cars are clearly the ones to own for their extra power and smoothness, while the early DE cars are the cheapest entry into the breed.

The 370Z (2009-2020) refined the formula with a shorter wheelbase, lighter body panels, the excellent VQ37VHR engine, and the pioneering SynchroRev Match manual; its long production run means plentiful supply and strong value, with the 2013-2020 cars being the safest used buys and the NISMO the sharpest.

The current RZ34 Z (2023-present) is the biggest leap, swapping naturally aspirated character for a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, modern electronics, and a far more usable torque curve. For value-focused buyers, the 370Z remains the smart pick; for those who want the newest technology and turbocharged thrust, the RZ34 is worth the premium; and for budget enthusiasts who love a high-revving naturally aspirated six, a clean 2007-2008 350Z HR delivers genuine sports-car thrills for very little money.

Across all three generations, the Z's front-engine, rear-drive layout and balanced chassis remain the constant that defines the bloodline.

How to Choose

Decide first between naturally aspirated character and turbocharged thrust, because that single choice splits the entire lineup. The 350Z and 370Z deliver a raw, high-revving, linear V6 experience and are the budget-friendly choices, while the 2023+ RZ34 Z brings turbo torque, modern features, and far better low-end response at a higher price.

Within the 350Z generation, always favor a 2007-2008 HR engine over the early DE for its added smoothness, extra power, and improved reliability. In the 370Z range, the 2013-2020 cars are the safest used buy because the early production issues were resolved.

For track work, the NISMO trims of either generation are worth the premium for their suspension tuning, brakes, and seats. On any used Z, budget for fresh tires, a clutch inspection on manual cars, and a check of the oil-cooling system if the car has seen track time. Verify the differential and watch for clutch slave-cylinder wear on 350Z models.

Buy the best-maintained, lowest-mile example your budget allows, since deferred maintenance on a performance V6 adds up quickly.

FAQ

Is the 350Z or 370Z more reliable? The 370Z is generally more reliable thanks to its refined VQ37VHR engine and improved later build quality. Within the 350Z line, the 2007-2008 HR-engine cars are the most dependable and avoid the early DE-engine oil consumption complaints.

Does the new Nissan Z come with a manual? Yes. The 2023+ Z (RZ34) offers a 6-speed manual with rev-matching on the Sport and Performance trims, though the track-focused Z NISMO is automatic-only.

Which Z is the best value used? The 2013-2020 370Z offers the most performance per dollar, with strong examples in the mid-to-high $20,000s and a proven 332-hp drivetrain that costs little to maintain.

How much horsepower does the new Z make? The standard 2023+ Z makes 400 hp from its twin-turbo 3.0L V6, while the limited Z NISMO makes 420 hp with upgraded cooling and aero.

Bottom Line

The 2023+ Nissan Z (RZ34) is the best Z overall with its 400-hp twin-turbo V6 and modern cabin, while the 2013-2020 370Z remains the smartest value buy for naturally aspirated thrills on a budget. Enthusiasts chasing the sharpest chassis should target a 370Z NISMO or Z NISMO, and bargain hunters can still grab a sorted 2007-2008 350Z HR for cheap.

Match the generation to your budget and the Z delivers rewarding rear-drive fun at every price point in the lineup.

Sources

• Nissan Z (RZ34) — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_Z_(RZ34)
• Nissan 370Z — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_370Z
• Nissan 350Z — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_350Z
• Nissan VQ engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_VQ_engine
• Nissan VR engine — Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_VR_engine
• Hagerty Valuation Tools — Nissan Z: https://www.hagerty.com/
• Nissan USA — Nissan Z: https://www.nissanusa.com/