you could do a search to get a wider idea of what other people think.

I had the same choice to make. I decided on the WRX for the turbo (easier to upgrade in the future), AWD (I live close to the snow as do you ) and safety features such as the side/front air bags, ABS, (again) AWD and excellent body structure.

I previously had a Nissan, and sort of wish I had purchased the 350z just so I could have kept going to the same service techs for my car. My Nissan dealer has EXCELLENT service. The one thing I really disliked about my car was the online community. I spent a lot of time at freshalloy.com and zilvia.net (I had a 98 240sx) and never felt really comfortable there - the people were nice enough but nowhere near as friendly as those on this forum.

I would go with the WRX. I doubt you'll only spend $3600 or so to mod the car, because once you see all that's out there, you'll want a lot more.

 

Four doors and AWD are deal-makers.

 

It sounds traitorous, but I'm kinda partial to the 350Z. It has a very unique, beautiful look to it, and it is indeed quicker than a WRX if you compare them both stock. If I had the choice to make it'd be a tough one, but I might have gone 350Z... but now that I already have a WRX, I don't regret it either. AWD and 4doors are indeed handy

 

I personally like the Infinity G35 instead of the Z, but i like the convinence of having a 4 door instead of a 2 door. Coming from a 96 prelude it feels good to have some head room...and im only 5'6. All three will get heads turning. GL on your pick. All fine cars IMO

-cHris

 

Have you considered the RX-8?

I looked at the 350Z, the RX-8, WRX, and Audi A4(or used S4).
I liked the 350Z but it's not a pratical car at all. No rear seat and a useless hatch.

The Audi was nice but after seeing all the problems my brother has had with his 2000 Jetta I decided to pass.

The RX-8 is a very unique car. It looks good, is quick, and has usable back seats and a trunk. Overall, I was most impressed with this car but I still needed a more practical car.

Of course I ended up going with the WRX.

 

Here's a good question. How old are you? I was looking at a G35, 350Z, and STI untill I called my insurance company. I am 24 with a not so decent driving history and they gave me a quote of 7000/year for any of the three. I ended up going with the WRX because they were only going to charge me 2500/year.

 

Not to rag on Bagelw's opinion, but the RX-8 is grossly underpowered. Mazda overrated its horsepower numbers, so if you do go for an RX-8 be ready to hassle with RSX Type-S's

 

That's what aftermarket parts are for.

 

i'm buying a used WRX and getting my car just today, but b4 that i test drove z350 , rx8 ... blah blah . I don't think u should compare "apple" and " orange". And of course i will not think of a RX-8 just cuz it's not worth wat i'm paying at all, and for Z i'm sure it's a nice car with alot tq, but after i drove S2000 , there's really nothing suprise me but a 3.5 liter motor and the sound is good that's for sure. And yes, WRX insurance rate will be wayyy cheaper than a Z also it's a 4 door with turbo, if u really want to play hard, u can get a lot power out of it easily and again " parts are cheaper" if u are into mod a car. Seriously... i would say if u have enough money and u have more than 1 car, then u can go for a Z , if not then WRX is the best chooice for being a " daily" " fast" car.