I own a 2004 WRX automatic. I've never been really satisfied with it's off-the-line acceleration or the fact that it's a sedan. I've always owned coupes before the WRX.

I'm thinking of going to test-drive an enthusiast 350Z 5-speed auto next Saturday because I love the syling but am unconvinced about it's "grunt".

I'd like to get objective opinions on the following from 350Z owners:

- Off the line acceleration (most important to me)
- High-speed handling / going fast into turns
- Traction
- Feel of the 5-speed manumatic in shifting
- overall build Quality

Any good dealers around the Chicago area who you'd recommend?

Thanks!

 

Well first of all, if acceleration is your prime objective than get the 6 speed manual. Handling is superb and the car is beautiful. The car is built very well. I had a 2003 350 touring which was a good car, but there were minor things that I was disatisfied with, such as the bose system, driver's side window streaked and the clutch was very stiff. Since than I have sold the 2003 Z and purchased a 2005 350zr touring. All of those issues were fixed with the new model. There are faster sports cars that you can buy, but for the money you will pay for the Z you get a beautiful, reliable and one of a kind car.

 

The Z is pretty good off the line, but definitately not the best. If you want the best off the line acceleration, get an Evo or an STi, or maybe even a new mustang. The handling of the Z is great, althought the traction is somewhat hampered by the crappy tires. I drive a manual so I don't know about the automatic. The overall build quality is very good.

 

I got a ride in an STI yesterday. They guy was at my carwash and he took me out and rung it out pretty good.

I must say that at first I thought the STI was much faster than my Z, but then I got back in my Z and it felt pretty fast too. If the Z is slower, it is incrementally so. But the thing that I came away with was a new-found love for my car. I've always wanted more power, but the STI isn't significantly better that way (in my mind anyway!). I guess I'd have to drive them both to know for sure. But the Z is absolutely a much nicer car in virtually every other way.

I have the '03 touring model with the leather seats. The STI had really cheesey cloth on the seats and door panels. And the dash and stereo just didn't seem to be up to the same standard as the Nissan (looks-wise anyway. My bose is junk!!). So, AWD and number of doors issues aside, I think the Z is much much nicer. At best, the STI is a little stronger in a traffic light sprint. And the turbo surge was pleasant. But for the slight difference in engine feel, you give up everythign else.

I think the best thing you can do is drive all the cars you are interested in, and you may be surprised by what impresses you the most. Then buy that car.

The reason I am making this comparison is that there really aren't too many other cars in the class to consider. I've never driven the S2000 (and it has a loyal following), but it seems to be underpowered and definitely under-torgued. Blame VTEC I guess. I had an integra, and the lack of torque made me sell it. High RPM isn't a selling point for me unless it has a nice grunt to go with it.

The EVO is even is the other hot contender but I have to believe it is in the horse race right next to the STI. It probably handles well, has a satisfying turbo surge, but probably gives up a lot of fit and finish to the Z or the S2000.

Just some thoughts. Good luck.

 

I test drove an RSX type S, RX-8, WRX, EVO, and then an STi, before finally deciding on the Z.

Compared to the Z, the WRX felt very slow to me off the line, but I wasn't exactly side-stepping the clutch at redline either.

The Z has more usable torque down low that you get to enjoy more everyday without having to throg the engine.

The only downside to the coupe is that you don't get to drive it as often as you like when traveling with more than one person!

 

Your joking right. The WRX has AWD and will have much better off the line acceleration and traction than the 350Z. Now that slushbox your using is probably just not letting you utilize your off the line acceleration as well as a manual would.

 

From all the posts concernin the Auto vs Manual trans... heated debate on this site... I think many of the veteran A/T owners will tell you that their A/T DAMN NEAR the same Acceleration as the M/T... so dont let some of these people fool you The automatic isnt a sloth... brake torque at the right level for the perfect launch that will make you feel ever inch of the 3.5l ...

but comparing this car to a STI... its not the same at all.. the AWD decimates in Acceleration... but if you want a true "sports" car... go with the Z... its a two seater and its not a girly feel like a miata or a S2000...

I've only test drove a Z so far... drove it for a good 40 - 50 mins... so i dont have the same input as many of these people... but I come from a modified A/T Crossfire... there is no doubt the Z's touch stick is sweet! it allows you to hold until rev limiter... something that many touch sticks will auto shift up for you once your there...

Test drive it and a few cars before you decide... IMO

 

Thanks everybody! I will definitely test-drive a Z. Actually, I believe the Z has better power/weight ratio than my WRX, auto or not. Plus RWD is better IMO than AWD for "off-the-line grunt". But I'll see for myself. I'm sure I'll want to buy the Z as soon as I drive it. Wether I get rid of the WRX though is doubtful.

 

AWD is always better off the line. No doubt. But the Z has more pep than a WRX so it should feel a bit zippier.

And although we like to kid, the AT has almost the same acceleration as the MT.

I think it's excellent. With proper shifting you can take off and go like a pro.

High-speed handling is superb. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Z was designed to be ideal at highway speeds and it's definitely REALLY stable at high speeds.

Replace the stock tires and traction is good.

Decent. I only have 10k miles but I do wonder how long I'll be able to keep the car without spending a fortune on maintainence. But I suspect it'll be no more than a WRX. And the Z is so much fun, it'll be worth it.

 

The reason i went with the automatic was driveability. I live in a snowy climate and AWD would have been a better choice thank god i didn't do it. STi's are EVERYWHERE. If i could of afforded the G35 i would do it instantly. This car gets more compliments than anyother car i've owned. The manual would take getting used im sure but the other factor was i loved the blue and not the black. The MT was more expensive and im happy with my decision. As for speed the skys the limit if you got a large pocketbook.

 

Do you have the turbo WRX?

 

Yes, all WRXs are turbo'd. It kicks in @ 3k RPM. Maybe if it kicked in @ 2k RPM? Hmmm . . .

 

You might want to test drive the 05 AT's I hear they have the rev match downshift feature.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vladsstuff

Quote:

- Off the line acceleration (most important to me)

Have you driven a Mustang or Camaro? Very good around town power, which is what I believe you are looking for. I'd rank the rest like this: 1)Mustang/Camaro/GTO
2)Evo/STi
3) 350z/WRX
4)RX8

Quote:

- High-speed handling / going fast into turns

Do you want handling or handling feel. These are two different things. I think you care more about the feel than the actual skid pad #. FWD cars are going to give you the best feel. RWD cars not as much. Changing the bushings to poly will give you some feeling back on RWD cars and AWD cars.

Quote:

- Traction

Like winter traction? Keep what you have.

Quote:

- Feel of the 5-speed manumatic in shifting

Either learn to drive a real 5-speed or let the car do the shifting. Manumatics are just gizmos. Modern auto know when to shift better than you do. If you don't already have a +/- auto, you'll play with it on the test drive and never use it again. It's just a toy. Most really respond to your input at their leasure anyway. Unless you get a manual based one (BMW SMG, AUDI DSG, Ferrari, Toyota MR2, etc), it's not worth it.

Quote:

- overall build Quality

You'll be fine as long as you stay away from Mitsu.

Quote:

Any good dealers around the Chicago area who you'd recommend?

Thanks!

 

Oh ok, I raced some kid and destroyed him and I thought it was a non turbo WRX. But it was an impreza RS.

 

Like others have stated do a test drive of the 2 and make your own choice, its your money, no one elses.

Our Z is an 05 5at and its our second AT so far and our first AT sports car, all previous cars/trucks have been stick, including a 2nd and a 3rd gen Rx7. guess we just became used to automatic (lazy) lol :P

Speed difference is to us at least negligible, but as everyone has said a Z isnt really a drag racer and also (hubby is a pocket rocket nut) you know how they think, every car is slow to those bozo's.


The Z At trans has been great, really smooth, and has rev matching, which is cool. dont miss stick at all.

Good luck on what ever you decide to do.

 

WTF are you talking about?

 

Impreza RS != WRX. Therefore it is the non-turbo and VERY slow.

 

buy what you obsess about; anything less will be disappointing.

 

I'm REALLY looking forward to test-driving the Z. I'm sure I'll like it. Then the problem will be how to figure out a way to afford it & keep my WRX (I owe about $18k on the WRX). I REALLY need to get a high-paying job.

I've sat in a Z & found the rear window very tiny, which bothered me. Anyone else have this problem? Maybe it just takes some getting used to?