I drooled over this car as a kid. I still drool over it. Such a great looking car even to this day. The 90's were definitely the heyday of Japanese sports cars. So many sexy ones. This, RX7, 3000GT, NSX.
Yes! Loved the look of that '92 Prelude. I think it was available with up to 190hp from a 2.2L or 2.3L 4cyl, which was quite a lot for the time. Nearly as much as the 5.0L Mustang.
@@Joshua_N-A nope, this 300ZX looks better. The 400Z is a good looking car, but they did too many cross-gen cues to it for my liking - also it looks way too much like the 370Z for my personal liking. With the early 300ZX's, Nissan really hit the spot in looks, it's elegant and expensive looking and yet isn't fruity. However, I will say the 300ZX they're using here isn't all that great looking, red is a bad color for it, and this is one of the very few cars on earth that looks better without a spoiler.
Personally, although nissan did change after Renault, all car manufactures have changed because of emission and safety standards. With all this, car companies have to spend more on researching what saves fuel better and how to make a car safer, which leaves less money to spend on fun performance. I mean look, the 300zx didnt even come with airbags, which would never pass todays inspections. So unless governments stop caring about safety and emission standards, car manufacturers will continue to make the boring junk they do
Freddy Chale > I gave my 1990 300ZX to a friend of mine last week. It has a perfect body and very nice int. Got tired of people coming buy all the time and looking at it ,say they wanted to buy it and never show up again. My buddy was looking for a project for a v8 swap and i told him to he could just have it. I guess when the others found out how much a motor was for the car they did not want to put that much in it. He is going to put a hot Dodge 340 with a 4-speedin it, can't wait to ride in it!
I think the 1990 is the best looking year of them all and I"m not exactly sure why that is. The 1995-1996 just doesn't look right. I know the spoiler is different but I don't think that's all it is. The first year of a new model is generally the best year to own for investment purposes too so I'd hang onto it and take care of it if I were you. Or sell it to me.
That would be nice considering how dam good it would have to look lol the ZX line up was perfected with the Z32 Generation well into Super Car Satus in its Day. Now it was jus a Reset for the Line up with the 350z & 370z
I test drove one of these in the 90s when I was considering buying one, and man, what an incredible car at the time. The acceleration was so strong and smooth, it handled really well, could brake on a dime - and it looked amazing. At the time I drove it I had yet to get the Corvette's, Caddy's and BMW that was in my future, so I was comparing it to things like a Camaro, a Fiero, old 70s muscle cars, etc - and it still holds a soft spot in my black heart.
Crazy Head Turner even today in 2018. I just drove my 300zx TT and it gets constant thumbs up and stares. The car is just gorgeous. Performance holds up 28 years later. Love my Z! What a classic!
As a previous owner of a 370z, the 300z is the only other Z I love. That car would still sell very good in today's market! Damn the 90's were good to us:)
It was the beginning of a new era of Japanese high performance cars. Unfortunately US buyers didn't want to pay corvette prices for them. They were good but price perception killed them. And made Japan shy away from the market.
Not really, nissan wanted to take it a little more backup to the Z car roots when they were a lot more simple, while I did love the 300z, my 350z is a whole lot lighter and agile
By 1996, the prices on these units increased to the point that they weren't selling. Nissan was forced to discontinue it. The 350Z was introduced to make the model accessible again, which the starting price made the 2003 Z much more attractive.
@@texan903 that's correct, however being a child from the 70's and 80's the 90 300z was pretty damn cool, but I liked the later years when they started putting the nissan badge back on the nose
@@alanmoncus2331 Totally agree on the appearance of the 90-96 models. I especially like the headlights and taillights. The interior was also a major upgrade from the 84-89 ZX line. You notice the fine attention to detail on the emblems that I never really observed, pretty observant, man.
Great call by John D. at 5:57: "The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is a milestone in Japanese car development." Truer words have not been spoken, this car forced EVERYONE to up their game!
@@wawewawe1316 Well, to he fair, Nissan launched the R32 GTR at the same time as the z32, that was actually the Milestone for the GTO(the GTR), the NSX was actually way over them, aiming at Ferrari directly, the z32 however made Toyota and mazda update their sport flasgships
@@DarksideHistory WAWE WAWE is an misinformed. Very excellent assessment by you. 1990 saw both the 3000GT and NSX come to market. Whilst, Toyota was putting the finishing touches on production styling for the A80 MKIV Supra and Mazda was already road testing the FD prototypes (final shape).
I'll never forget the first time I saw the Z32 model 300ZX at my local Nissan dealer in 1989. It looked unlike anything I had ever seen before. The only way to describe it is it looked like...the future had arrived, right to the doorstep of my east Texas small town.
I used to watch this show religiously as a kid, and remember watching this video when it came out. This year I finally picked up a Z32 300ZX TT in Sapphire Blue, and loving every minute of it, even for a 26 year car with a modest 280HP (its a 96 which lost VVTi, and about 20HP due to 1996 emissions restrictions, but it did gain OBDII which is nice).
Where are you located? I co own a garage that specializes in Z32s, VR4s, MK4s, FD3s, and other 'difficult' platforms. We get some German cars no one wants to work on also, like the BMW 850, E46 M5, 90s SL600s, etc. I'd be happy to service your Z, I own 2 myself, and know the VG30DETT inside and out.
I really like this car and almost bought it. Then, in 1991, the 3000GT\Stealth came out. I still own the 1991 Stealth today. It was just so much more advanced and powerful.
I had 2 of these cars in the mid to late 90's and to this day it they were still the best overall cars i have ever owned,, 33k was a steal for that car, even in 1990..
Yup. the Z32 paves the way for cars like the supra and RX7. no one was even talking about japanese muscle cars till the twin turbo Z came out. I miss my Z32. I recently had to let her go but it was the most fun and thrill I ever got out of a car.
This car blew my socks off in how it looked when I was a kid. I still don't understand why the 300ZX failed in sales and mainstream following. On paper it should have been a legend of its day, but is largely forgotten.
I'd definitely take this car over a corvette of the era! I really like the appearance of this car and I think its holding up better than the '90 vette design which was showing its age.
I keep coming back to this video, reliving the short period I owned a real clean 5 speed 1995 Twin Turbo Z. These were the days of Japanese giant killers. The 300ZX Twin Turbo was THE original of the 4... a bit slow in a straight line compared to its competitors, especially against the 3000GT VR4 and Supra Twin Turbo, both demolished the Z over a mile in a straight line - I saw all 4 go at it multiple times back in '96, dig, roll, road course. Dig to the mile marker, towards the end of the mile, the Supra Twin Turbo was a good 2 cars in front of the 3000GT VR4, the 300ZX Twin Turbo 2 plus car lengths behind the VR4, and the RX7 Twin Turbo behind the Z by about half a car. No matter how any of them launched, that was always the outcome, give or take a car length or two. Roll races were identical, it was crazy to see how consistent the outcome was stock vs stock for all 4. Quarter mile times reflected this as well. The Supra Twin Turbo ran 13.5s@107mph on average, and the 3000GT VR4 was 13.2s@103mph on average, .5 to .7s faster than the 300ZX Twin Turbos 13.9s@103mph average and RX7 Twin Turbos 13.8s@100mph average. The 300ZX Twin Turbo may have been a bit lackluster acceleration wise, but handled second best after the razor edged FD3 RX7, though I hated that sequential turbo set up on the FD3, so in a way i found the Z to be the best handler of the bunch. Never cared for the Supra Twin Turbo, although fast, it didn't handle very well, and again, the sequential set up annoyed me. The 3000GT VR4 was the fastest out of the 4 until over 100mph, so imo it was the fastest, as the Supras acceleration didn't impress until highway speeds (speed over 100mph in a Supra Twin Turbo is effortless). The 3000GT VR4 was far and away the fastest off the line, able to pull high 4 second 0-60 times and low 13s in the quarter mile, I own a stock 1995 VR4. But the 3000GT platform jus5 didn't have as much 'feel' as the others, it's numb and turn in / turning radius is awful, as is handling it through tight corners - it really is meant for going rapid in a straight line over long distances. The 300ZX was the original, all the others followers. Yes, they were all very different, and also all very similar. The fact remains, however, that the Z was the original giant killer, able to dispatch the C4 Corvettes of the time. I miss my Z alot.
I still get excited when I see this car, such is the timeless styling. Hard to believe this Z is three decades old! What a great car! I know the Corvette has a fervent following and the Z was never likely to have the same kind of following but this car can match on performance!
I own 2 Z32 TTs, a stock 91 300ZX TT and a modded 1995 300ZX TT. I've owned 5 300ZX TTs, I'm in love with this platform, and I co own a garage that specializes in 90s JDM classics. A stock Z32 TT is good for about 0 to 60 in 5.2s and the 1/4m in 13.7@104mph with an awesome driver, and 13.8s to 14.0s @ 102mph on average. Out of the 4 'supercars' of the 90s, the 300ZX TT was unfortunately the second slowest in a straight line stock to stock. The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was much, much faster dig or roll, as was the Toyota Supra TT. I remember when I bought my 91 300ZX TT, I lost to every VR-4 stock to stock, and when the 94 model came out with an (underrated) 320hp / 315tq, the Z just had no chance. A bone stock 2g VR-4 does 0 to 60 in 4.7s to 4.9s and the 1/4m in 13.0s to 13.3s @ 102 to 104mph with a good launch, and 13.4s / 13.5s @ 101 to 102 with a bad launch, both of which are much faster than the high 13s of the Z. Stock vs stock, from a dig to 150mph, the 94 and up VR-4 has about 2 car lengths on the Z at 150mph, and the pre 94 models (300hp / 307tq) has about half a car to a car at 150mph. From any speed roll, the 94 and up VR-4 will pull 2 to 3 cars, and the pre 94 VR-4 will pull about a car. However, the Z out handles the VR-4 easily, is much more fun to drive, and imo looks better. The VR-4 feels numb to drive, and is only really fun in a straight line. I will alway respect the VR-4 though, as it's what got me to buy my 95 Z32TT and mod it :)
The 300zx tt was featured in Car and Drivers top ten list consecutively from 1990 to 96 , every year it was eligible. That's the best answer to those who like to hate this landmark automobile.
When this car went on sale, I was 5 years old and I wanted it. One reason I wanted it was because I knew the name Nissan, back when that name wasn't nearly as well known as it is now. I knew the name because my mother had a 1985 Nissan Maxima and I loved that car. Those cars also gave me a desire to travel to Japan. The May 1998 issue of Sport Compact Car was titled "How to get 450 horsepower from a Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo" so I bought the magazine immediately. I learned what a mass air sensor was and then I knew I would be able to repair cars that used EFI. Also, I saw a preview of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and I fell madly in love with the way it looked. That is part of the reason why I chose the name Skyline Fever.
No, I never bought a Nissan 300ZX. As the years went by, my interests changed. When rally cars finally arrived in the USA, I fell in love with those. I will be buying an Evo X eventually.
On my third Z32. Used to be an automotive journalist/photographer; no cars, outside of a 997 911 or an NA1 NSX are as perfectly balanced as a comfortable/ well-performing / reliable/ beautiful/ useable/ engaging sports car as a 300ZX Z32 is. Of course, like any old car, they do break down. But if you can figure out the mechanicals on a Z, unlike most other cars, you become a better mechanic for it, since everything is a bit of a challenge to work on and there's always something new to learn. Nissan will never build another "drivers car" of this level.
On my 5th, I own two right now!! Nice to see another dedicated Z32 TT owner! Stock to stock, the Mitsu 3000GT VR-4 and Toyota Supra TT were much, much faster in a straight line, and the RX7 was slower but a better 'technical' handler, but the Z was the best all around!
Very well said and a million percent Facts. it was bad enough that the 86, 87 Grand national. & the 89 Turbo Trans am with the GN motor in it gave the Corvette Hell. then years later the the twin turbo Nissan 300 ZX is on there ass. the big wigs and performance executives at corvette said ahh Hell No we gotta do something about this shit! the great American Apple🍎pie cant go for this.
My best friend had one around 99 to 2003. With $2,500 in upgrades, there weren't many cars that could beat it when it came to random encounters on the street. Cars have come a long way since then and it would take more than bolt ons to outrun them these days but I imagine that a refreshed engine and bigger turbos would keep it in the game.
These and other Japanese supercars were absolute headturners back in the day. They were exciting, exotic looking, drawing your eyes everytime. The nice things about these is they were more attainable than your exotics of the day, so you'd actually see them on the road. Very fun time. Japanese superstars, vs Vettes, Camaros, Firebirds, Stealths, Mustangs, DSMs, yes it was a very good time to be into cars.
Best built 300ZX ever. It also had a 2+2 option. Already has a Bose. Minor updates factory Nav, backup camera, Apple Car Play, air bags and its ready for today’s market.
The 90s were a breath of fresh air. After the neutered 1980s, manufacturers finally brought high performance back to high performance vehicles. This was the age of the DOHC twin turbo V6. The Z-32, Toyota Supra, and Mitsubishi 3000gt VR4 all had 300+ horsepower twin turbo V6s. Modifying these engines to get 500+ horsepower was not uncommon. American manufacturers followed suit with the Mustang getting better and better, and GM making some of the best Camaros and Firebirds in over a decade. This was also the decade that Dodge gave us it's Corvette killer, the Viper. It was an exciting time, but then it ended abruptly. By 2002 most of these cars were gone. It wouldn't be until 2010 before a good selection of high performance cars would be back in the spotlight.
Oh, I remember the ZedX---back in it's day, it was the darling of the motoring press. It's also a reminder of a time when Nissan had more fire and passion. And 0-60 in 5.8 is still faster than some performance cars today, such as the BR-Z.
I own a cherry red 1990 300zx z32, 100% stock and in mint condition. She spends most of her time in the garage wrapped in a bubble. Most people have no idea what it is when I drive it and yet they still stare in wonderment. However, those that do know will literally follow me until I park to see her and all of her glory.
Driver her! Enjoy her! I own a 100% stock 1991 300ZX TT and a modded 1995 300ZX TT putting down 600@whp...these cars are meant to be enjoyed! Since you're stock, don't go racing any stock 3000GT VR-4s though, you'll lose badly, dog or roll...ask me how I know ;)
The early to mid 1990's really were the best time for Japanese sports cars. You had cheap sport coupes like the CR-X, Prelude, MX-6 and the 240SX. Then you also had more serious cars like the RX-7, 3000GT, 300ZX, Supra and the NSX. What a time it was to be in. Too bad I was too young to drive any of them or afford it at that time.
Well, it wasn't that great if you look at things closer. The CRX was never a sporty car, period. The 240sx had a lot of potential, as we now fully see even today with modified ones, but the stock 2.4 engine was absolutely horrible. The upper tier Supra, 300ZX, 3000GT, were all very expensive cars, equivalent to about 70-90k in today's money. You can get much better car today for less money.
I love everything about this car. Possibly one of the best looking cars ever. Imo, reall started a sports car revolution that brought all the great 90's turbo Japanese cars. Awesome to drive.
The 2 most beautiful cars ever made were the Jaguar XKE and the 1990 300Z. I owned a 300Z for 10 years until I got too old to get in and out of it. Damn.
I loved my z to death, everyone regards it as a sport coupe, but to me it was more of a gt car, awesome performance while still able to drive long distances. It was so amazingly comfortable and the drive was like nothing else. The only thing I disliked about it, NO CUP HOLDERS! smh... Other than that it's my all time favorite car
Those seatbelts would drive me fucking insane in the winter while wearing a giant jacket, can’t believe so many cars had them standard around this era Awesome car beyond that though, the simple interior can be forgiven since it was such a powerful, capable racer
They were overly complex cars. 4 wheel steering and a V6 with turbos squeezed in somewhere in that engine bay. I like 300z’s but they look like maintenance nightmares.
I was in love with that car when I was a teenager as well. I still do! I saw a 1993 model with no turbo for $3900. No room for it. Wish I could rescue it!
Had one almost exactly like this; purchased new in 1990 and kept till around 2003. Loved almost every minute but there were a couple of major disappointments. Had to replace the A-Arms with custom units from Stillen due to severe front inner tire wear. Went through two sets of front tires every 7000 miles or so. The inner couple of inches went to the cord, the rest looked like a new tire. Nissan could not fix it and the service manager at the dealership tried to tell me that because it was a sports car this was normal. There were service bulletins but never a recall. At the end of my ownership, the car continued to run rough and stall out. Nisan couldn’t deal with it and unfortunately, this time, Stillen couldn’t either. I would still own that car today if someone could’ve turned it back from an oversized scale model to a working vehicle again. Oh well, still enjoyed it for a very long time and have lots of fun memories of younger, more carefree days. Also took it to the drags once, best run (totally stock, automatic) was 14.5 at 95 mph). I’m sure the car had a little more in it with a better tune and perhaps a better driver but again, what a fun day! I miss that car and those days dearly. Happy motoring to you all and thanks for letting me share. 🙂
@@kevinsbott they were quite bullet proof if maintained, you'd better keep that timing belt changed on time, the 3.5 in my z33 is pretty good as well, and it runs a timing chain, 3 of them, love the sounds it makes, pretty damn quick too ;)
My friend a flight engineer for Northwest Airlines back then had me drive his 90 Turbo home from dealer in So. Cal. I built performance cars and could drive a stick.
This is the first fast Japanese car in America. It looks a decade newer than anything else on the market in 1990 not called a Diablo. The NSX gets a lot of credit for forcing Ferrari to up their game in ‘91, but the 300ZX forced improvements to the Corvette, Supra, 3000GT, and RX-7.
Used to have one of these back In 96.. she was a blast to drive and would smoke dam near anything that would try to test it! Probably one of thee best sports cars ever made... and I’m a vette owner .. lol..
Friend of mine had a stock 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo 5 speed manual, he used to call it a 'sheep in wolves clothing' due to it being so much slower in a straight line than my stock 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. I ran 13.3s@103, he ran 13.8s@101.
The first nissan z class car I've ever laid eyes on at my neighbors was this car in 2004.White t-top,twin turbos, stick shift. The car was beefy and sounded like a beast.
Maserati had a twin turbo V6 before the Nissan 300ZX did, and they called it the "Biturbo." However, it wasn't built nearly as well as the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo.
TT is different than Biturbo. TT TwinTurbo means two turbos run at the same time, for efficiency and design purposes. BiTurbo was created to ease the lag on traditional turbos, a smaller turbo works at lower speed and rpms, and when the speed picks up the Big or Real Turbo kicks in. So no they are quite different.
I drooled over this car as a kid. I still drool over it. Such a great looking car even to this day. The 90's were definitely the heyday of Japanese sports cars. So many sexy ones. This, RX7, 3000GT, NSX.
Yes! Loved the look of that '92 Prelude. I think it was available with up to 190hp from a 2.2L or 2.3L 4cyl, which was quite a lot for the time. Nearly as much as the 5.0L Mustang.
The prelude was only .6 of a second slower through the quarter, despite having over 100 hp less. I recommend watching the MW review of that too.
palebeachbum don't forget other Nissan super cars from the 90s
Also DSMs awd reign of terror with the Turbocharged eclipses, talons, lasers!
What about the Supra?
27 yrs old and still better looking then most cars made today.... J/s
It looked great and but now it looks bulky.. the windows are too tall. It looked like an exotic car back in 1990s though.
i agree with iamanoobiecheez.
Realist AGREED
Still looks better then a 370z especially with a body kit rims and a few engine upgrades
Heck yeah... I loved mine
I feel totally grateful that I still have my '90 300ZX TT!
I have 90 300zx TT too ! Z life !
Sale it so I can have one!!😁
Cvetomir Kostov sale it!!..so I can have one😅
The last of the true Z cars.
@@hectorsantiago5350 tbh
Damn this car still looks good 27 years later
If you're cross-eyed, maybe.
Today's designs look off for me. At least the 400Z looks better than any supercar inspired design. Bubble era designs were Japan's finest.
@@Joshua_N-A nope, this 300ZX looks better. The 400Z is a good looking car, but they did too many cross-gen cues to it for my liking - also it looks way too much like the 370Z for my personal liking. With the early 300ZX's, Nissan really hit the spot in looks, it's elegant and expensive looking and yet isn't fruity. However, I will say the 300ZX they're using here isn't all that great looking, red is a bad color for it, and this is one of the very few cars on earth that looks better without a spoiler.
I'll take the 300Z over the current model..
junk!!!!
29 yrs later, and still just as beautiful!
junk!!!
What happened to you Nissan? You used to be cool.
Nutz4Gunz45 Stupid Renault bro, change the ways to make cars
Donovan Campbell Nissan would be out of business if it wasn’t for Renault in the late 90s they were in bad shape
Nutz4Gunz45 suck totally. Only Ford's & Mazdas for this family.
Personally, although nissan did change after Renault, all car manufactures have changed because of emission and safety standards. With all this, car companies have to spend more on researching what saves fuel better and how to make a car safer, which leaves less money to spend on fun performance. I mean look, the 300zx didnt even come with airbags, which would never pass todays inspections. So unless governments stop caring about safety and emission standards, car manufacturers will continue to make the boring junk they do
I'm sure a lot of people will say the GTR is VERY cool. Me? I love the performance but dislike the bloated design, so I'll pass.
All MW Retro reviews are GOLD!
BWX we're glad to have them with us :)
LOL! Yesss...
MW is badass. they started it all, and still remains one of the most informative and concise.
I was in LOVE with this car as a kid 😍
Me too until... I bought mine.
Freddy Chale why don't you like it?
Freddy Chale > I gave my 1990 300ZX to a friend of mine last week. It has a perfect body and very nice int. Got tired of people coming buy all the time and looking at it ,say they wanted to buy it and never show up again. My buddy was looking for a project for a v8 swap and i told him to he could just have it. I guess when the others found out how much a motor was for the car they did not want to put that much in it. He is going to put a hot Dodge 340 with a 4-speedin it, can't wait to ride in it!
#Tim_Coker
Cool! That is what I should have done... (besides buying yours).
In any case would be awesome to see videos on that car!
Cheers mate!
The 300zx is the BEST looking car on the planet even in 2017!!! I Love my 90 300zx tt! :D
Hey Bro! You are a man of fiiiiine taste! Mine is all black, a 92 TT converted.
I love my tt and 2+2. Can't beat these cars for looks and value even today
Jerry Ryan have you ever seen a Ferrari 250 gt?
It looks a bit ugly now. The car looks too bulky. The only early 1990's car that still looks good even today is Acura NSX.
I think the 1990 is the best looking year of them all and I"m not exactly sure why that is. The 1995-1996 just doesn't look right. I know the spoiler is different but I don't think that's all it is. The first year of a new model is generally the best year to own for investment purposes too so I'd hang onto it and take care of it if I were you. Or sell it to me.
Finally a good Review for the underrated 300zxTT Japanese Classic
Jay Jimenez With Nissan going back to a twin turbo V6 in their Q60 Red Sport, this could possibly be a return of the 300Z.
That would be nice considering how dam good it would have to look lol the ZX line up was perfected with the Z32 Generation well into Super Car Satus in its Day. Now it was jus a Reset for the Line up with the 350z & 370z
Tdak1128 Thank you finally I found someone who agrees with me on this pretty meh sports car.
I test drove one of these in the 90s when I was considering buying one, and man, what an incredible car at the time. The acceleration was so strong and smooth, it handled really well, could brake on a dime - and it looked amazing. At the time I drove it I had yet to get the Corvette's, Caddy's and BMW that was in my future, so I was comparing it to things like a Camaro, a Fiero, old 70s muscle cars, etc - and it still holds a soft spot in my black heart.
One of the few cars that never get's dull.
Crazy Head Turner even today in 2018. I just drove my 300zx TT and it gets constant thumbs up and stares. The car is just gorgeous. Performance holds up 28 years later. Love my Z! What a classic!
@Zenon Antruzinon I doubt your yaris does 6.5, that's faster than an 86
As a previous owner of a 370z, the 300z is the only other Z I love. That car would still sell very good in today's market! Damn the 90's were good to us:)
A gorgeous Japanese masterpiece
Bubble era designs are Japanese finest. Recently, Nissan unveiled the 400Z. Wonder what post-Ghosn Nissan era will have in store for us.
lol JUNK!!!
Timeless machine and my all-time favorite Nissan since 1990.
It was the beginning of a new era of Japanese high performance cars. Unfortunately US buyers didn't want to pay corvette prices for them. They were good but price perception killed them. And made Japan shy away from the market.
The 350Z was a massive step down from the 300ZX.
N
Not really, nissan wanted to take it a little more backup to the Z car roots when they were a lot more simple, while I did love the 300z, my 350z is a whole lot lighter and agile
By 1996, the prices on these units increased to the point that they weren't selling. Nissan was forced to discontinue it. The 350Z was introduced to make the model accessible again, which the starting price made the 2003 Z much more attractive.
@@texan903 that's correct, however being a child from the 70's and 80's the 90 300z was pretty damn cool, but I liked the later years when they started putting the nissan badge back on the nose
@@alanmoncus2331 Totally agree on the appearance of the 90-96 models. I especially like the headlights and taillights. The interior was also a major upgrade from the 84-89 ZX line. You notice the fine attention to detail on the emblems that I never really observed, pretty observant, man.
The only car in the Z-series that I've ever actually found to be desirable, just my opinion.
Z31 are good fun and the 280s are always gonna be cool like the hot rod of sports car
They're my favorite series, but I'd gladly take a nice 240. 😁
From 240z to 280zx and 350z onwards
240z 😍
Wtf... 240z is the best looking Nissan Ever
Great call by John D. at 5:57: "The Nissan 300ZX Turbo is a milestone in Japanese car development." Truer words have not been spoken, this car forced EVERYONE to up their game!
Then the Mitsubishi GTO and the Honda NSX took it one step further in just a year or two later lol
the gto ? hell no lol
@@christiangazard1710 yes in the sense of all the technology it had like active aero, 4ws with awd etc. It did overdo it though and was too heavy
@@wawewawe1316 Well, to he fair, Nissan launched the R32 GTR at the same time as the z32, that was actually the Milestone for the GTO(the GTR), the NSX was actually way over them, aiming at Ferrari directly, the z32 however made Toyota and mazda update their sport flasgships
@@DarksideHistory WAWE WAWE is an misinformed. Very excellent assessment by you. 1990 saw both the 3000GT and NSX come to market.
Whilst, Toyota was putting the finishing touches on production styling for the A80 MKIV Supra and Mazda was already road testing the FD prototypes (final shape).
This used to be one of my favorite cars that I used to see growing up as a kid in the 1990s.
I wanted one of these so bad back then. Timeless design, would look great even if released as a new today.
Best looking z car
dflet03 No way .
Tom Hertz nah, personally I'd say it's the 240.
My Favorite 1990 Z Car 2+2.
10/10 Would bang
I'll never forget the first time I saw the Z32 model 300ZX at my local Nissan dealer in 1989. It looked unlike anything I had ever seen before. The only way to describe it is it looked like...the future had arrived, right to the doorstep of my east Texas small town.
I just saw one of these at the mechanic now in 2024. This car really in many ways looks relevant even today.
Got one new in '92. Switched out the exhaust, intercoolers and intake to a less restrictive one. It was an awesome car and wish I still had it !!
Wow, that’s nearly $67k in 2019 dollars! Beautiful car
Not cheap
That’s about the same as a loaded 2021 Supra though isn’t it?
I think the 300ZX was the first car I ever fell in love with as a kid in the 90s. Still looks good to this day.
I used to watch this show religiously as a kid, and remember watching this video when it came out. This year I finally picked up a Z32 300ZX TT in Sapphire Blue, and loving every minute of it, even for a 26 year car with a modest 280HP (its a 96 which lost VVTi, and about 20HP due to 1996 emissions restrictions, but it did gain OBDII which is nice).
I loved my twin turbo, just wished they were easier/cheaper to maintain. Still a great looking car!
Where are you located? I co own a garage that specializes in Z32s, VR4s, MK4s, FD3s, and other 'difficult' platforms. We get some German cars no one wants to work on also, like the BMW 850, E46 M5, 90s SL600s, etc.
I'd be happy to service your Z, I own 2 myself, and know the VG30DETT inside and out.
300ZX TT SWAP were you located ?
I really like this car and almost bought it. Then, in 1991, the 3000GT\Stealth came out. I still own the 1991 Stealth today. It was just so much more advanced and powerful.
I had 2 of these cars in the mid to late 90's and to this day it they were still the best overall cars i have ever owned,, 33k was a steal for that car, even in 1990..
That was premium territory for sure.
Yup. the Z32 paves the way for cars like the supra and RX7. no one was even talking about japanese muscle cars till the twin turbo Z came out.
I miss my Z32. I recently had to let her go but it was the most fun and thrill I ever got out of a car.
Wow! time has blown on by. I was 20 years old when the 300ZX Turbo appeared at the dealership.
This car blew my socks off in how it looked when I was a kid. I still don't understand why the 300ZX failed in sales and mainstream following. On paper it should have been a legend of its day, but is largely forgotten.
Price. 67k in today's dollars, and big torquey v8s were still perceived better
I'd definitely take this car over a corvette of the era! I really like the appearance of this car and I think its holding up better than the '90 vette design which was showing its age.
I've loved this line since the old Datsun 240 all the way till now. As an 80s NYC kid, this was droolable machinery.
I keep coming back to this video, reliving the short period I owned a real clean 5 speed 1995 Twin Turbo Z. These were the days of Japanese giant killers.
The 300ZX Twin Turbo was THE original of the 4... a bit slow in a straight line compared to its competitors, especially against the 3000GT VR4 and Supra Twin Turbo, both demolished the Z over a mile in a straight line - I saw all 4 go at it multiple times back in '96, dig, roll, road course. Dig to the mile marker, towards the end of the mile, the Supra Twin Turbo was a good 2 cars in front of the 3000GT VR4, the 300ZX Twin Turbo 2 plus car lengths behind the VR4, and the RX7 Twin Turbo behind the Z by about half a car. No matter how any of them launched, that was always the outcome, give or take a car length or two. Roll races were identical, it was crazy to see how consistent the outcome was stock vs stock for all 4.
Quarter mile times reflected this as well. The Supra Twin Turbo ran 13.5s@107mph on average, and the 3000GT VR4 was 13.2s@103mph on average, .5 to .7s faster than the 300ZX Twin Turbos 13.9s@103mph average and RX7 Twin Turbos 13.8s@100mph average.
The 300ZX Twin Turbo may have been a bit lackluster acceleration wise, but handled second best after the razor edged FD3 RX7, though I hated that sequential turbo set up on the FD3, so in a way i found the Z to be the best handler of the bunch.
Never cared for the Supra Twin Turbo, although fast, it didn't handle very well, and again, the sequential set up annoyed me.
The 3000GT VR4 was the fastest out of the 4 until over 100mph, so imo it was the fastest, as the Supras acceleration didn't impress until highway speeds (speed over 100mph in a Supra Twin Turbo is effortless). The 3000GT VR4 was far and away the fastest off the line, able to pull high 4 second 0-60 times and low 13s in the quarter mile, I own a stock 1995 VR4. But the 3000GT platform jus5 didn't have as much 'feel' as the others, it's numb and turn in / turning radius is awful, as is handling it through tight corners - it really is meant for going rapid in a straight line over long distances.
The 300ZX was the original, all the others followers. Yes, they were all very different, and also all very similar. The fact remains, however, that the Z was the original giant killer, able to dispatch the C4 Corvettes of the time.
I miss my Z alot.
I still get excited when I see this car, such is the timeless styling. Hard to believe this Z is three decades old!
What a great car! I know the Corvette has a fervent following and the Z was never likely to have the same kind of following but this car can match on performance!
I'm pretty sure with the right street tire you could easily beat the 5.6 sec 0-60 times, maybe break 5 seconds, that was a lot of wheel spin.
I own 2 Z32 TTs, a stock 91 300ZX TT and a modded 1995 300ZX TT. I've owned 5 300ZX TTs, I'm in love with this platform, and I co own a garage that specializes in 90s JDM classics. A stock Z32 TT is good for about 0 to 60 in 5.2s and the 1/4m in 13.7@104mph with an awesome driver, and 13.8s to 14.0s @ 102mph on average.
Out of the 4 'supercars' of the 90s, the 300ZX TT was unfortunately the second slowest in a straight line stock to stock. The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was much, much faster dig or roll, as was the Toyota Supra TT.
I remember when I bought my 91 300ZX TT, I lost to every VR-4 stock to stock, and when the 94 model came out with an (underrated) 320hp / 315tq, the Z just had no chance. A bone stock 2g VR-4 does 0 to 60 in 4.7s to 4.9s and the 1/4m in 13.0s to 13.3s @ 102 to 104mph with a good launch, and 13.4s / 13.5s @ 101 to 102 with a bad launch, both of which are much faster than the high 13s of the Z.
Stock vs stock, from a dig to 150mph, the 94 and up VR-4 has about 2 car lengths on the Z at 150mph, and the pre 94 models (300hp / 307tq) has about half a car to a car at 150mph. From any speed roll, the 94 and up VR-4 will pull 2 to 3 cars, and the pre 94 VR-4 will pull about a car.
However, the Z out handles the VR-4 easily, is much more fun to drive, and imo looks better. The VR-4 feels numb to drive, and is only really fun in a straight line. I will alway respect the VR-4 though, as it's what got me to buy my 95 Z32TT and mod it :)
Try 4
@Noble Khan You're garbage for lying and fanboying
@Noble Khan Sorry the VR4 is faster out of the box. Doesn't make me love my Z's any less
@@300zxttswap6 thanks for comment. I am 38 years old. I loved this car as a kid. Sounds like everybody loves this car
The 300zx tt was featured in Car and Drivers top ten list consecutively from 1990 to 96 , every year it was eligible. That's the best answer to those who like to hate this landmark automobile.
My favorite car since my childhood.
When this car went on sale, I was 5 years old and I wanted it. One reason I wanted it was because I knew the name Nissan, back when that name wasn't nearly as well known as it is now. I knew the name because my mother had a 1985 Nissan Maxima and I loved that car. Those cars also gave me a desire to travel to Japan.
The May 1998 issue of Sport Compact Car was titled "How to get 450 horsepower from a Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo" so I bought the magazine immediately. I learned what a mass air sensor was and then I knew I would be able to repair cars that used EFI. Also, I saw a preview of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and I fell madly in love with the way it looked. That is part of the reason why I chose the name Skyline Fever.
Ahhh the Maxima! The old Maximas, a friend has one, i guess a 1988. Red. Love it
Skyline Fever did you ever buy the 300ZX? Just wondering
No, I never bought a Nissan 300ZX. As the years went by, my interests changed. When rally cars finally arrived in the USA, I fell in love with those. I will be buying an Evo X eventually.
Ahh Sport Compact Car! I learned so much from that magazine.
If Ford was making a DCT rally car, I would have been saving money to buy it.
Timeless. Wish they release a updated 'retro" model for today's market.
On my third Z32. Used to be an automotive journalist/photographer; no cars, outside of a 997 911 or an NA1 NSX are as perfectly balanced as a comfortable/ well-performing / reliable/ beautiful/ useable/ engaging sports car as a 300ZX Z32 is. Of course, like any old car, they do break down. But if you can figure out the mechanicals on a Z, unlike most other cars, you become a better mechanic for it, since everything is a bit of a challenge to work on and there's always something new to learn. Nissan will never build another "drivers car" of this level.
On my 5th, I own two right now!! Nice to see another dedicated Z32 TT owner!
Stock to stock, the Mitsu 3000GT VR-4 and Toyota Supra TT were much, much faster in a straight line, and the RX7 was slower but a better 'technical' handler, but the Z was the best all around!
@300ZX TT SWAP I can see the VR4 bring faster because of traction, but how is the supra that much faster, it's not much more powerful or lighter.
This car is the reason GM gave the Corvette 300 hp.
The LT5 made 400hp I believe
@@moed8975 I was talking about the LT-1.
Very well said and a million percent Facts. it was bad enough that the 86, 87 Grand national. & the 89 Turbo Trans am with the GN motor in it gave the Corvette Hell. then years later the the twin turbo Nissan 300 ZX is on there ass. the big wigs and performance executives at corvette said ahh Hell No we gotta do something about this shit! the great American Apple🍎pie cant go for this.
@@moed8975 you are talking about the ZR1 which doubled the pricetag to about $70k.
@@stanleyposey3397 I wonder how long GM would have bs around with 250 hp in the Corvette.
It's 2024 and all I can say is. Absolutely beautiful car.
I had an '84 300ZX back in 91-92. I wanted one of these soooo bad.
My best friend had one around 99 to 2003. With $2,500 in upgrades, there weren't many cars that could beat it when it came to random encounters on the street. Cars have come a long way since then and it would take more than bolt ons to outrun them these days but I imagine that a refreshed engine and bigger turbos would keep it in the game.
Stock turbos with full breather mods and an E-85 tune. 500whp is very attainable.
Those seat belts are insane!!!
These and other Japanese supercars were absolute headturners back in the day. They were exciting, exotic looking, drawing your eyes everytime. The nice things about these is they were more attainable than your exotics of the day, so you'd actually see them on the road. Very fun time. Japanese superstars, vs Vettes, Camaros, Firebirds, Stealths, Mustangs, DSMs, yes it was a very good time to be into cars.
I had one years ago, fantastic car! SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD IT!
they gave them a yellow one yellow has always been THAT color 👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 i swear the 90s cars look just like the country they came from
I have owned a 93, 95 and 96 Z and an 82 Corvette. The 90's Z was a Corvette Killer! The best sports car made!
I love how this is made in the 90's nostalgic style... great video.
Best built 300ZX ever. It also had a 2+2 option. Already has a Bose. Minor updates factory Nav, backup camera, Apple Car Play, air bags and its ready for today’s market.
The 90s were a breath of fresh air. After the neutered 1980s, manufacturers finally brought high performance back to high performance vehicles. This was the age of the DOHC twin turbo V6. The Z-32, Toyota Supra, and Mitsubishi 3000gt VR4 all had 300+ horsepower twin turbo V6s. Modifying these engines to get 500+ horsepower was not uncommon. American manufacturers followed suit with the Mustang getting better and better, and GM making some of the best Camaros and Firebirds in over a decade. This was also the decade that Dodge gave us it's Corvette killer, the Viper. It was an exciting time, but then it ended abruptly. By 2002 most of these cars were gone. It wouldn't be until 2010 before a good selection of high performance cars would be back in the spotlight.
The Toyota Supra had an inline 6 called the 2JZGTE.
I think this is the third retro review of the 300ZX. I love them
Oh, I remember the ZedX---back in it's day, it was the darling of the motoring press. It's also a reminder of a time when Nissan had more fire and passion. And 0-60 in 5.8 is still faster than some performance cars today, such as the BR-Z.
justsomeguytoyou that's actually also around the speed of a base model Tesla model 3
Toyota Sienna faster than the brz
in the late 90s I had a 73 240Z and loved it. My friend had a 95 300 and I always wanted one of these too..
I own a cherry red 1990 300zx z32, 100% stock and in mint condition. She spends most of her time in the garage wrapped in a bubble. Most people have no idea what it is when I drive it and yet they still stare in wonderment. However, those that do know will literally follow me until I park to see her and all of her glory.
Driver her! Enjoy her! I own a 100% stock 1991 300ZX TT and a modded 1995 300ZX TT putting down 600@whp...these cars are meant to be enjoyed!
Since you're stock, don't go racing any stock 3000GT VR-4s though, you'll lose badly, dog or roll...ask me how I know ;)
Love the 300 TT. My Mom had one; what a car! My parents also had a 240 & 260 as well. Love Z cars.
I had one of these as a teenager. It was the coolest car at my high school EVEN IN 2003!
Did you have the base 222hp version or the TT ?
The early to mid 1990's really were the best time for Japanese sports cars. You had cheap sport coupes like the CR-X, Prelude, MX-6 and the 240SX. Then you also had more serious cars like the RX-7, 3000GT, 300ZX, Supra and the NSX. What a time it was to be in. Too bad I was too young to drive any of them or afford it at that time.
Well, it wasn't that great if you look at things closer. The CRX was never a sporty car, period. The 240sx had a lot of potential, as we now fully see even today with modified ones, but the stock 2.4 engine was absolutely horrible. The upper tier Supra, 300ZX, 3000GT, were all very expensive cars, equivalent to about 70-90k in today's money. You can get much better car today for less money.
I'm a big fan of these retro reviews 👍.
I love everything about this car. Possibly one of the best looking cars ever. Imo, reall started a sports car revolution that brought all the great 90's turbo Japanese cars. Awesome to drive.
That acceleration is addicting to watch. I rewinded over and over.
Still looks great today . Great job Motorweek !
The 2 most beautiful cars ever made were the Jaguar XKE and the 1990 300Z. I owned a 300Z for 10 years until I got too old to get in and out of it. Damn.
I loved my z to death, everyone regards it as a sport coupe, but to me it was more of a gt car, awesome performance while still able to drive long distances. It was so amazingly comfortable and the drive was like nothing else. The only thing I disliked about it, NO CUP HOLDERS! smh... Other than that it's my all time favorite car
Sportscars dont need cup holders
The best car ever made
still a beauty... i remember those crazy test rides once i got away from the sight of the dealerships
Why is this car STILL ahhhhhhhhhhmazing!?!?!?!?!?
holy crap this is so awesome!
This car was way ahead of its time when it came out.
Those seatbelts would drive me fucking insane in the winter while wearing a giant jacket, can’t believe so many cars had them standard around this era
Awesome car beyond that though, the simple interior can be forgiven since it was such a powerful, capable racer
It's so rare to see these things still on the roads these days, Oh well.... They make for great parts cars for 240sx's :)
They were overly complex cars. 4 wheel steering and a V6 with turbos squeezed in somewhere in that engine bay. I like 300z’s but they look like maintenance nightmares.
Sub 6 second 0-60 in 1989 was insane
Nissan did great work here. The front exterior styling does look a bit bizarrely first, but behind the wheel, it grows on you.
They look better in person than in photos.
I was in love with that car when I was a teenager as well. I still do! I saw a 1993 model with no turbo for $3900. No room for it. Wish I could rescue it!
Had one almost exactly like this; purchased new in 1990 and kept till around 2003. Loved almost every minute but there were a couple of major disappointments. Had to replace the A-Arms with custom units from Stillen due to severe front inner tire wear. Went through two sets of front tires every 7000 miles or so. The inner couple of inches went to the cord, the rest looked like a new tire. Nissan could not fix it and the service manager at the dealership tried to tell me that because it was a sports car this was normal. There were service bulletins but never a recall. At the end of my ownership, the car continued to run rough and stall out. Nisan couldn’t deal with it and unfortunately, this time, Stillen couldn’t either. I would still own that car today if someone could’ve turned it back from an oversized scale model to a working vehicle again. Oh well, still enjoyed it for a very long time and have lots of fun memories of younger, more carefree days. Also took it to the drags once, best run (totally stock, automatic) was 14.5 at 95 mph). I’m sure the car had a little more in it with a better tune and perhaps a better driver but again, what a fun day! I miss that car and those days dearly. Happy motoring to you all and thanks for letting me share. 🙂
Sounds like you had a bad computer in that car
Plus it sounds like it was built on a Friday
One of the best japanese cars from the 90's (1996 I think was the last year). Great car! And another great retro review from MotorWeek
1996 was the last year for sales in the USA, but they were still sold in Japan until about 1999.
I didn't know it. Thanks for telling me that
The Lamborghini Diablo used this cars' headlights.They put a strip over the top part to hide the Nissan stamp!
The three liter V6 that Nissan made was very durable a great car still is.
Hunter Fisher Great point, perhaps the best V6 ever made! I from a reading about it they got really carried away with the balancing of the engine.
@@kevinsbott they were quite bullet proof if maintained, you'd better keep that timing belt changed on time, the 3.5 in my z33 is pretty good as well, and it runs a timing chain, 3 of them, love the sounds it makes, pretty damn quick too ;)
Very nice classic. This will undoubtedly be a very good investment.
2:52 John: This car has GUTS as we westerners understand the word! LOL
They definitely do and motorweek quarter mile runs are always slower than other reviews probably because the driver weighs around 240 pounds
My friend a flight engineer for Northwest Airlines back then had me drive his 90 Turbo home from dealer in So. Cal. I built performance cars and could drive a stick.
Nissan 300ZX, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Toyota Supra, Acura NSX, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota MR2 Turbo.
Even Lamborghini thought the front end was stunning, they stole the headlight assembly right out of it!!
This is the first fast Japanese car in America. It looks a decade newer than anything else on the market in 1990 not called a Diablo. The NSX gets a lot of credit for forcing Ferrari to up their game in ‘91, but the 300ZX forced improvements to the Corvette, Supra, 3000GT, and RX-7.
I still love this car when I see it :) I have a beautiful mint 91 maxima se and love it as well !
Used to have one of these back In 96.. she was a blast to drive and would smoke dam near anything that would try to test it! Probably one of thee best sports cars ever made... and I’m a vette owner .. lol..
I really want to get one of these from the 90"s models. Looks awesome...and 5.6 seconds to 60mph!!
My dad had this car, they hit gold with this one model
Friend of mine had a stock 1990 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo 5 speed manual, he used to call it a 'sheep in wolves clothing' due to it being so much slower in a straight line than my stock 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. I ran 13.3s@103, he ran 13.8s@101.
Doesn’t sound so much slower lol
Never knew these were so expensive back in the day
I want one of these 300ZX I used to have a 1988 Nissan 200SX which is a very nice ride
The first nissan z class car I've ever laid eyes on at my neighbors was this car in 2004.White t-top,twin turbos, stick shift. The car was beefy and sounded like a beast.
Twin turbo V6 in 1990?! Damn
Maserati had a twin turbo V6 before the Nissan 300ZX did, and they called it the "Biturbo." However, it wasn't built nearly as well as the Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo.
TT is different than Biturbo.
TT TwinTurbo means two turbos run at the same time, for efficiency and design purposes.
BiTurbo was created to ease the lag on traditional turbos, a smaller turbo works at lower speed and rpms, and when the speed picks up the Big or Real Turbo kicks in.
So no they are quite different.
The 1986 Porsche 959 was a twin turbo Six.
The 1983 Ferrari GTO was a twin turbo V8.
The 1989 Nissan Skyline GTR was a twin turbo Six
@@wawewawe1316 Toyota also had a twin turbo six in 1986. 1G-GTE