why do all the 350z reviews i read say that the track model is not as comfortable as the other models? i can't figure out what would cause this, the seats and suspension are the same on the other models right( besides leather seats)? i know the brakes and wheels are different, but i don't think that would make the ride uncomfortable.

 

I think every Z (non MODed) is uncomfortable. I have a 2003 Track and it rides like a bouncing POS. I love the car, but the ride is not very good. A co-worker bought a new mustang and it drives alot better, but the Z handles the turns better. Good luck...

...

 

Just is. I never rode in a non-track model so I don't know. I figure at least the performance models should feel the same since they have cloth with 18" wheels too.

 

You are correct. Same suspension on every model. The only differences (that would make a difference) are the wheels. I have a friend with the standard 18" rims, and it didn't feel any different than my Track model with the oem 18" rims or my Nismos. Now, if you had the oem 17" rims, that might make a small difference since they have a bit more tire sidewall to suck up some of the bumps. But overall, I don't think any of the trim levels are any more or less comfy than any of the others when you get down to it. Small differences between the different diameter rims, but that's about it.

 

I asked the same question because I read a couple of reviews which said the Track model had a stiffer suspension and was not suited to daily driving. But before that, even on Nissan's website, there was never any mention of the suspensions on all the models being different that I saw.

 

I test-drove a "non-track model" 2004 Z and it sure felt "less stiff" than than the 2003 (used) Track that I finally bought. Maybe it's just wheels/tires.

Re comfort: it depends on your definition of "comfort." As a mechanical engineer I like to feel everything...well, almost. Rather than being a POS ride, the ride in the track just, well, "communicates" to me... reminds me of my '65 Shelby GT-350 (which definitely didn't have the same suspension as other FoMoCo Mustangs).

 

Suspension on the 2004.5 on was changed to the euro spec because of porposing of earlier models.

Chris

 

Mine used to be bouncy and kind of "uncomfortable". Then I bought the Hotchkis TV-1 kit from GSC and all the springs made the ride so much more bearable. The little bounce was gone and it felt better planted to the road. Its offtopic, but it WILL improve the ride quality of the car.

 

This is a known issue. The commonly recommended fix is to get the following seat covers:

 

hmm those are veeeery tempting

 

Mine isnt really rough nor bouncy. My dad's s2000 is more uncomfortable imo than the Z.

 

Oh man, now they're infecting *other* threads too!

 

Yeah, the Hotchkis springs are actually a bit softer than stock in the rear in order to compensate for the under-damped rear shocks. (From the pictures, they even look a tiny bit progressive, which would definitely make them feel softer on the street.) Hotchkis basically designed their springs to work better with the stock shocks than the oem springs do. This has the dual-effect reducing that porpoising in the back on some freeways, as well as feeling more planted.

 

Out of curiosity, did you drive a car with the 17" rims, or 18" rims? The 17" rims should feel a bit softer. Also, tire pressure can make a difference. Could be that one car had lower tire pressure than the other. Just a thought.

 

I like the feel of my track, but it is kinda bouncy. Sometime i drive the Jetta to work because i don't feel like bouncing all the way to work I'm going to look into getting those Hotchkis springs though, thanks.

 

I love my Track and don't think it's any different than the other models (except for leather seats).

 

What makes the suspension so bouncy? The shocks, springs, or combination of both?

 

Bouncy suspension reasons:

* Worn shocks
* Overly-strong springs
* Underinflated tires

 

* Sports car

 

Right on

My 2005 Track does not bounce that much. It transmit a good amount of feed back from the road, but nothing I didn't expect.

The shock where changed to ones with an anti-ripple system (2004.5 YM?).