Honda
S2000
Nissan
350Z
Honda S2000 vs Nissan 350Z: 2007 Comparison
The short answer
The Honda S2000 offers fuel economy, while the Nissan 350Z excels at power instead. Choose the Honda S2000 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Nissan 350Z if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
S2000
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment, characterized by deep emotional attachment and reverence as a legendary, driver-focused roadster. The vehicle is consistently praised for its "wildly revving" high-RPM engine, exceptional balance, bespoke chassis, and engaging driving dynamics. Long-term owners report high reliability and durability when properly maintained, with many vehicles exceeding 100,000 miles without major issues.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version (AP1 vs. AP2).
Known issues
- ⚠Clutch master cylinder failure: described as a common issue. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission synchro wear: particularly noted for difficult 2nd to 3rd gear shifts. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Intermittent starter motor failure: "sticking" or failing to engage, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
350Z
Overall
The sentiment among owners is predominantly positive, with the vehicle widely regarded as a reliable, durable, and fun-to-drive sports car. The VQ engine is consistently praised as a "beast" that can "cop a fucking beating without breaking a sweat," with reports of engines lasting well over 250,000 miles with proper care. The platform is described as a "stout design & construction" that is "not considered a problematic used car model." Owners appreciate its dual-purpose capability as both a reliable daily driver and a "full hard track day capable" vehicle.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim or year. However, detailed technical discussions highlight engine variant trade-offs: the early '03-'04 DE engines are noted as solid and economical; the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" DE engines are powerful but notorious for oil consumption; and the '07-'08 VQ35HR engine (also found in the G35) is considered the most stout and powerful NA option.
Known issues
- ⚠Electrical system faults: encompassing no-crank/no-start conditions, fuel pump and sensor failures (P0183, P0462 codes), window regulator failures, bizarre turn signal behavior, and Body Control Module (BCM) failures.
- ⚠Oil consumption: specifically associated with the '05-'07 "Rev-Up" (DE) engine variant, described as a common and significant problem. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Overheating: difficult to diagnose issues potentially related to air in the cooling system, faulty thermostats, or underlying problems not easily identified. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Honda S2000 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Nissan 350Z, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Nissan 350Z is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda S2000 or the Nissan 350Z?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda S2000 and the Nissan 350Z. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda S2000 or the Nissan 350Z?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Honda S2000 is classed as a Cabriolet, the Nissan 350Z as a Roadster, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda S2000 or the Nissan 350Z?
The Honda S2000 is more fuel-efficient on paper: 9.9 L/100km combined versus 11.4 L/100km for the Nissan 350Z, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda S2000 or the Nissan 350Z?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Nissan 350Z than the Honda S2000. See the known issues comparison above.