The already active thread “Traction Control” is very good reading. Lot's of good information there.

I have another question about VDC. I need to preface the discussion with this information: My only experience on this question is with 2003 and 2004 350Z’s. I do not know if this is applicable to 2005-2006 350Z’s since I did not evaluate these models.

Discussion: The first Z I drove was a 2003 Enthusiast model (this configuration had TLC but not VDC), and I was impressed. It was a great car with a great engine and suspension. My only criticism was the slow drop in RPMs (engine-hanging) while shifting. Otherwise, it was perfect for me.

A few months later I drove a 2003 Z Performance model (that is equipped with VDC). There was a very noticeable difference in the power-assisted equipment (clutch, brakes, and steering) on the Performance model with VDC. The clutch, brakes, and steering on the VDC equipped Performance model were much lighter and felt a whole lot better than on the TLC equipped Enthusiast model. I pointed this out to the dealer who told me I was seeing ghosts (same car with nearly same equipment, should be no difference in the power assisted equipment). Then I took a 2003 Track model (which also has VDC) for a test drive. Same thing: Similar to the Performance model and a lighter feel on the brakes, clutch, and power steering than the Enthusiast model. Thinking the Enthusiast model I was driving was an aberration (suffering from heavy-feeling power assisted equipment), I did a test drive on a different Enthusiast. The newly tested Enthusiast model was exactly like the Enthusiast I was driving (with the same feel of the power-assisted equipment that was not as smooth and light as the VDC equipped Performance model and Track model).

So you know what I did. I got a Performance model. Since then I have had the opportunity to drive a couple of other 2003 Enthusiast models, and the same is true: Power-assisted equipment is not as light and pleasant as on my Performance model.

What’s going on here? Do VDC equipped-models have a higher hydraulic boost? Are the more expensive models different? I have no idea. Again, my comparison is only on 2003 models. I wonder if the same is true for 2005-2006 models. --Spike

 

No

 

I notice that this Forum tracks postings and I see you have what... 2K+ postings. I don't think this should count as a post.

... Just kidding --Spike

...And thanks for bumping

 

Might be some slight difference between cars, depending on production dates.

I'd look at the alignement and wheels for the difference in feel.

 

performance model 18" wheels = lower sidewall tires, same as track model. better steering feel, less body roll that a touring model with 17" wheels and taller sidewalls. either way the models are very similar.

 

I have a performanc model. The 18's vs. 17's sounds like a good explaination, but I did notice a difference compared to Base and Ethus. Models. Only thing that I find is that VDC inhibit Horses. I dynoed my car stock in Texas. Mustang Dyno, 91 Octane, 4,000 Feet ASL. 229 was my number. I took of the VDC in the next run and I got 236. I'm not sure why but it happend. On top of that when Taking off from a stop the car boggs if you gun it. VDC doing it's job stopping you from peeling out. So the car feels a little slower if I'm running with VDC on. I turn it off and it feels a bit stronger.