When the Nissan 350Z hit U.S. roads in 2003, it revived the spirit of the legendary Z car lineup. Borrowing from the gorgeous, low-sloped, long-hood, hunched-rear-end design, it quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting, affordable sports cars of its time. Finally, you could own something fast, unique, and truly sporty without breaking the bank or settling for a pony car.
Whether you were a weekend warrior, track junkie, or just loved the feel of a rear wheel drive coupe, the 350Z delivered. But how much power does it really make? Let’s break it down—model year by model year.
Nissan 350Z Horsepower by Year
The Nissan 350Z horsepower numbers evolved across two primary engine platforms: the VQ35DE and the later VQ35HR. Both were 3.5-liter V6s, but were designed slightly differently internally. The DE had already been in use in several vehicles, including Altima SE, Maxima, and Murano, so it wasn’t exactly the Z-specific mill some might expect. Here’s a breakdown.
2003–2006: VQ35DE Engine
The early years of the 350Z featured the VQ35DE under the hood, with horsepower remaining the same between most trim levels:
- Base / Enthusiast / Performance / Touring / Track:
- 287 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- 274 lb-ft of torque
- Track model received better brakes, lightweight wheels, and sportier suspension tuning, but the engine output remained the same.
- 0-60 performance for all these years was between 5.3 and 5.6 seconds and top speed was 155 mph
In 2005, the Track and Grand Touring trims gained updated suspension, revised brakes, and a few tweaks to interior and tires, but performance specs remained mostly unchanged.
In 2006, a special edition 35th Anniversary Z became available, and it got a slight bump in horsepower.
- 300 hp thanks to the “Rev-Up” engine
- Higher redline (7,000 rpm)
- Slightly less torque at 260 lb-ft
This version was fun, especially in the hands of a competent driver, but required more frequent shifting to stay in the power band thanks to the torque reduction. The 0-60 ranged between 5.3 and 5.4 seconds, and the top speed remained the same at 155 mph.
2007–2009: VQ35HR Engine
Nissan dropped in the same engine used in the heavier Infiniti G35—the VQ35HR, which was both more powerful and smoother.
- All trim levels:
-
- 306 hp @ 6,800 rpm
- 268 lb-ft of torque
- Higher redline at 7,500 rpm
- No change in top speed (155 mph, except for the roadster at 149 mph)
With this new setup, the Z felt faster, revved more freely, and offered better lap times—especially on the track. The upgraded chassis and suspension also made it more stable under hard braking and in tight corners. These changes aligned closely with the performance goals of Nissan Motorsports, which began offering NISMO parts and a dedicated track edition shortly after. The 350Z wasn’t just fun to drive—it was built with motorsports in mind
It’s important to note that the coupe was discontinued in 2009, and the roadster was considerably heavier. This increased the 0-60 from 5.1-5.3 in 2007 and 5.0-5.2 in 2008 to 5.4-5.6 in 2009.
Power Is Only Part of the Equation
But the 350Z isn’t just about horsepower. It was a combination of balance, handling, and steering that feels beautifully weighted. Paired with a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission (an automatic was available), stability control (which could be disabled via traction control switched), and speed-sensitive steering, the Z offered a raw, mechanical feel that enthusiasts loved.
Nissan wasn’t trying to make the 350Z a luxury car, either. It had the Infinity G35 for that. The Z’s cabin was tight, the dashboard basic, and the seats were built more for track than comfort. Everything inside the car was focused on driver experience and accessible performance. This made it a serious contender against rivals like the Porsche Boxster, Mazda RX-8, Honda S2000, Ford Mustang. or even a base Corvette—especially in the hands of a competent driver.
Coupe vs Roadster: Does It Affect Horsepower?
No. Whether you opted for the 350Z coupe or roadster, horsepower and engine specs remained the same. However, the roadster carried more weight and the chassis wasn’t as stiff, slightly affecting lap times and handling. The coupe was simply a lighter, quicker, stiffer car, but it was eventually discontinued.
350Z Performance Specs at a Glance
| Year | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Engine | Notable Trims |
| 2003–2005 | 287 hp | 274 lb-ft | VQ35DE | Base, Touring, Track |
| 2005–2006 | 300 hp | 260 lb-ft | VQ35DE Rev-Up | 35th Anniversary Z |
| 2007–2009 | 306 hp | 268 lb-ft | VQ35HR | All trims |
Nissan 350Z Horsepower Compared to Competitors
Back in its day, the 350Z often got compared to other rear wheel drive sports cars, including the Porsche Boxster, Chevrolet Corvette, and even the BMW Z4, despite costing much less. While it may have been hard pressed to match their 0–60 times, the 350Z’s weight distribution and direct steering feel made it a track day favorite.
It offered one of the best base price to performance ratios on the market—a key reason Nissan dealers saw strong sales.
Final Thoughts: Still a Sports Car Bargain?
Absolutely. Even today, the Nissan 350Z holds up as an affordable, fun, and capable sports car. If you’re willing to do a bit of DIY brakes or suspension tuning, it can really be livened up without increasing horsepower. With its raw feel, classic Z car styling, and bulletproof engine, it remains a go-to option for track days, spirited drives, or just learning the fundamentals of rear wheel drive performance.
Whether you’re browsing classifieds or visiting local Nissan dealers, a well-maintained 350Z is still a new car experience for enthusiasts, minus the monthly payment. If you find one, Vivid Racing has the aftermarket parts you need to take your personal Z car to the next level.
