Great thread....
When I was looking to upgrade my last car (Z4 2.5) I considered the following:-
1. Z4 3.0 - nice car, good performance but expensive if you want low mileage, service history, etc.
2. Audi TT 3.2 - again nice car, good performance less expensive than Z4 but just didn't want the constant 'hairdressers car' comments!
3. Mazda RX8 231 - discounted after test drive, just didn't feel like a 230 bhp car?
These are the cars that I thought were initially in the same category as the 350z, rear wheel drive sports cars! I didn't look at hot hatches, sports saloons, etc, I have had these in the past....I wanted a sports car.
Anyway, I bought a 350z &, well, it has everything, 3.5ltr, 300bhp, great sound, great handling!!....& all at a very reasonable price for a low(ish) mileage car with a full service history as well (ok economy isn't great but you can't have everything can you?)
So in conclusion & sorry for all the 'waffle', I think it actually fits into it's own category.....as there isn't really anything to compare it with like-for-like when considering performance, value & kerb appeal.
There I've said it now, note to self, must try to be less serious