2003 Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33) is approximately 1635 kg (3605 lbs). This weight is fairly balanced for a two-seat convertible sports car, contributing to nimble handling and responsive performance. A moderate curb weight helps the car achieve quick acceleration, with the powerful V6 engine benefiting from this balance between heft and agility. It also aids in road grip and handling dynamics, providing a stable feel when cornering. While heavier than some lighter sports cars, the 350Z Roadster maintains a strong focus on driver engagement without overly compromising on stability and comfort.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster offers a luggage capacity of just 130 liters (approximately 4.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down, since it is a two-seater convertible with limited cargo space. This cargo volume is quite limited compared to larger coupes or sedans but fairly typical for sports roadsters, where design prioritizes performance and style over storage. The storage is enough for small bags or a couple of soft suitcases, making it suitable for weekend trips or daily outings but not extensive hauling. Owners often consider additional travel bags designed for small trunks to optimize use of the space.

Yes, the Nissan 350Z Roadster’s dimensions make it generally suitable for fitting into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4310 mm (169.7 inches) and width of 1815 mm (71.5 inches), it comfortably fits within the typical single-car garage size, which often ranges around 5486-6096 mm (216-240 inches) in length and approximately 2743-3048 mm (108-120 inches) width. Additionally, its height of 1328 mm (52.3 inches) is low enough to clear typical garage doors and ceilings comfortably. Owners should still consider additional room for opening doors and storage in the garage space.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster is equipped with 8J X 18 rims, paired with tire sizes of 225/45 R18 on the front and 245/45 R18 on the rear. These specifications mean the car has wide rear tires, which provide enhanced traction and improved acceleration grip, especially for rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The staggered setup (wider rear tires) optimizes handling balance and helps prevent oversteer during spirited driving. The 18-inch wheels also allow for a good balance of ground contact and ride comfort, improving corner stability and braking performance, which are essential attributes for a sporty convertible.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33) replaces the earlier Nissan 300ZX (Z32), which was larger and heavier. The 300ZX coupe was approximately 4420 mm (174 inches) long and wider, while the 350Z Roadster measures 4310 mm (169.7 inches) in length and 1815 mm (71.5 inches) in width. This indicates a slight reduction in length but a comparable width, with the Roadster focusing more on a modern lightweight design versus the bulkier predecessor. This shrinkage and weight reduction improved agility and handling significantly for the 350Z, moving towards a more driver-focused sports car experience rather than a grand touring orientation of the 300ZX.

Compared to other sports convertibles from the early 2000s like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or the BMW Z4, the Nissan 350Z Roadster is slightly larger in overall dimensions. The 350Z Roadster's length of 4310 mm (169.7 inches) and width of 1815 mm (71.5 inches) place it in a mid-level compact sports car category, offering a more muscular and substantial presence. The Mazda MX-5 is notably smaller with a shorter length and narrower width, focusing more on lightweight nimbleness. Meanwhile, the BMW Z4 is similar in size but often comes with more luxury features. The 350Z balances performance with bold styling and roomy ergonomics among sports convertibles of its era.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster, being a two-seat sports convertible, prioritizes a snug, driver-focused cockpit experience. While the exterior height is 1328 mm (52.3 inches), the interior seating height and width are designed to provide a low-slung seating position, which enhances driver visibility and car control feel. Passenger space is relatively tight but comfortable for adults, with enough shoulder room to avoid feeling cramped, thanks to the 1815 mm (71.5 inches) body width. Headroom may be limited for taller individuals, especially when the soft-top roof is up, but the roadster design maximizes the open-air experience.

Throughout its production from 2003 to 2007, the Nissan 350Z Roadster maintained consistent key dimensions and curb weight, with length at 4310 mm (169.7 inches), width at 1815 mm (71.5 inches), height at 1328 mm (52.3 inches), and curb weight around 1635 kg (3605 lbs). Minor updates in trim and mechanical components did not significantly affect overall size or weight, ensuring that the driving dynamics and spatial characteristics remained stable. This consistency helped foster a dedicated fan base who valued the car's distinctive sporty compactness and balance without surprises over its production life.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster uses 8J X 18 inch rims paired with front tires sized 225/45 R18 and rear tires 245/45 R18. The relatively low profile 45 aspect ratio tires help ensure good contact with the road, improving handling and cornering stability on both dry and wet surfaces. The staggered wider rear tires enhance traction for the rear-wheel-drive system, aiding sporty driving behavior. While these tire sizes improve performance and feedback, the lower profile tires also tend to transmit more road imperfections to the cabin, which can slightly reduce ride comfort compared to cars with taller sidewall tires. Nonetheless, they strike a strong balance between sportiness and daily usability.