I always figured most of the weight comes from the added safety features (6 airbags) and alot of the electronics/sensors for tcs, vdc, abs, ebd...

 

M3 ALMOST 3470 LBS
STI over 3200
fast cars still

 

I think the stock tires are what kill the Z's stock performance the most. Not saying the Z can't perform, because it can beat up lots of cars on the track, but I wouldn't have minded paying an extra couple hundred bucks on my Z from the dealership for much better tires than these crap Potenzas.

 

Yes.

Shares platform with Altima. Frame is quite a pork, and so are doors. You can save weight without emptying gas tank or taking out spare tire (both reduce weight from the rear, which is bad for an RWD car). Here's a few:

Start: 3197lbs (6MT enthusiast, best car for modding IMHO)

* lighter wheels and tires: ~25lbs total off all corners
* Borla exhaust: ~10lbs off (slightly to rear, though, but not much)
* RT cats: 12lbs off center/front
* lighter seats (like Cobras): 27lbs off center
* ATS clutch and flywheel: 20lbs off center/front
-OR-
Tilton clutch and flywheel: 29lbs off center/front
* PC545 battery: ~25lbs off front

End result: ~3069-3077lbs
+ wider tires
+ more power
+ moreless same weight in rear (better grip)

Its not cheap to buy all those items, though .

Cheers.

 

Huh? That's the first I've heard of that... Care to cite any reputable sources? The Altima platform shared w/the Murano and 04+ Maxima is called FF-L. The engines are transverse mounted (at least in the Altima and Maxima). The Altima and Maxima are FWD only.

The 350Z, G35 and FX35/45 are based on the FM platform (front midship) and the engines at least on the Z and G35 are pushed back further. The engines at least in the Z and G are not transversely mounted.