Launching in 1999 the R34 generation is arguably the definitive GTR, thanks in no small part to Gran Turismo and the Fast and Furious franchise. Featuring a smaller wheelbase than its predecessor, a new 5.8" LCD interior screen, a new carbon fibre diffuser... You don't care. Nobody cares about a stock Skyline. The real reason people want an R34 (or any Nissan sportscar) is to crank up the turbos and fit an ungodly body kit. While a good car in its own right, as sportscars go, the R34 was only the heavy side. Compared to the Honda NSX, the GTR could be almost 400kg heavier, and with the same era appropriate 275bhp. However, the legendary RB26 was capable, with the right modifications, of over 1000bhp. As a result, they have become cult classics, especially within the tuner and JDM scene. The same cannot be said for the 370Z.

The 370Z was launched in 2008 and was a complete departure from the 350Z, apart from styling, and engine, and character. The 370z did have one new and interesting feature, it had an auto-blip feature for the manual gearbox. This meant the driver did not have to heal-toe on downshifts. While complimented for its drive and retail price relative to its rivals from Porsche and Audi, the high running costs and lack of refinement would hurt the 370Zs appeal. A NISMO tuned version would be released in 2009 and would make up a surprisingly large percentage of sales, but the car was never a big seller.

If you assume the 275bhp of the R34 was conservative, then a more realistic power output would bring the Skyline in line with the 370Z. Two cars from the same brand, with only 10 years between them, aimed at different markets, yet remarkably similar. Both have front mounted, six-cylinder engines driven through a six speed manual gearbox (the 370Z NISMO was only available as a manual). Both have muscular coupe body styles with "four" seats. Both are becoming increasingly difficult to buy stock, without a previous owner having "improved" it.