Compare the2004 Nissan 350ZVS 2004 Lexus SC430

The 350Z Coupe offers available head airbag curtains which act as a forgiving barrier between the driver and passenger’s upper bodies and the window and pillars. Combined with high-strength steel door beams this system increases head protection in broadside collisions. The SC430 doesn’t offer side airbag protection for the head.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the 350Z deploy with different levels of force to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The SC430’s airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

Both the 350Z and the SC430 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four wheel antilock brakes, available front seat side-impact airbags, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

There are over 5 times as many Nissan dealers as there are Lexus dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the 350Z’s warranty.

The camshafts in the 350Z’s engine are driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The SC430’s camshafts are driven by a rubber belt which eventually needs to be replaced. If the SC430’s cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the 350Z has a standard 110 amp alternator. The SC430’s 100 amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

The battery on the 350Z is under the seat, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the 350Z’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The SC430’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

The 350Z automatic gets better fuel mileage than the SC430 (20 city/26 hwy vs. 18 city/23 hwy).

The 350Z offers a 6 speed manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The SC430 doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

For more complete vehicle control the 350Z offers an optional manually controlled automatic, with the available convenience of an automatic transmission and the complete gear control of a manual transmission without the inconvenience of a clutch. A manually controlled automatic allows the driver to eliminate unwanted shifts and maximize engine braking by down shifting while cornering. The SC430 doesn’t offer a transmission that allows complete gear control.

For better stopping power the 350Z’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the SC430:

The 350Z’s brakes have 14% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the SC430 (533 vs. 467 square inches), so the 350Z has more braking power available.

The 350Z stops much shorter than the SC430:

The 350Z Touring Roadster handles at .88 G’s, while the SC430 pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 350Z Touring Roadster goes through Road & Track’s slalom 6.5 MPH faster than the SC430 (67.2 vs. 60.7 MPH).

The Nissan 350Z may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 650 pounds less than the Lexus SC430.

The 350Z is 8.4 inches shorter than the SC430, making the 350Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The SC430’s spare tire is stored in the cargo area, where it diminishes the useable cargo capacity and interferes with loading and unloading. The 350Z’s spare is out of the way under the trunk floor.

The 350Z’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The SC430 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

If the windows are left down on the 350Z the driver can raise them all using the key in the outside lock cylinder. On a hot day the driver can lower all the windows from outside the car using the remote. The driver of the SC430 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve comfort and visibility, the 350Z Coupe (late availability) has standard pull-out visor extensions that block glare better. The SC430 doesn’t offer any similar feature.

The 350Z’s standard power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The SC430’s standard power mirror controls are on the dash, hidden behind the steering wheel, where they are awkward to manipulate.

The Nissan 350Z comes in both 2dr hatchback and convertible bodystyles; the Lexus SC430 isn’t available as a 2dr hatchback.

Insurance will cost less for the 350Z owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 350Z will cost $3000 less than the SC430 over a five year period.