I have heard on numerous occasions people (mostly on other car forums) say things like...it's not even a track model, its slow. Many people seem to have the misconception that the Track model is any faster than any other model (power-wise, I know in the twisties those brakes will come in handy). I've tried to set the record straight a few times, but someone recently really got to me. I was pulling out of Wawa down the Jersey shore (think 7-11) and I usually get a few "nice car" comments or something like that, instead I get from 2 ****** walking next to my car: "its not even a track version, that RX-8 will smoke it". So I proceeded to brake torque it up and light them up all they way down the street. Non-track owners...do you feel my pain? Or am I just retarted?

 

no they are retarded. you should just laugh at their ignorance. it's always
the people who are clueless about a topic that seem to have the most to
say about it. don't let it get to you. just smile and be on your way.

 

I hate to say it having been a Z owner (300ZX) before. When I was looking for my 350Z in the begining without doing much research, I was hell bent on getting a black on black track. Unfortunately, a lot of people see it this way and unless they do some research, they will continue to think that way. Nissan doesn't really help by calling it a TRACK version as opposed to the simple ENTHUSIAST version. Which one sounds faster to you?

 

if they're educated enough to differentiate between the different Z models you would think they know the performance differences.

 

No kidding. It's not liked thier badged differently which might add an extra 25 to 30 horsepower.

 

There are always those who think they know so much about the different models. I just quietly, and matter of factly, set them straight if they start making nonsense comments. The other tactic is to ignore them.

I don't think the Track model is any faster than the other models, at least not measurably so, even though it is a bit lighter. It really shines when carving out an apex, braking late and carrying power out of a corner.

I hate to bring this up again as this has been debated and debated on this forum. There seems to be some debate as to whether or not the early Track models (2003) having been built and shipped with S-Tune suspension parts (HD struts, stiffer swaybars, etc.) I'm looking into it. All I know is that my '03 DB Track has only needed one alignment to correct the dreaded feathering problem. I have 8K miles on that alignment now, including track time, and no problems. When investigating a Nismo suspension upgrade, I found I already have HD struts, a different set of swaybars (we're trying to classify the differences) and don't need the full kit. That leads me to believe that there are some differences in early production Z suspensions but I can't confirm it yet. Did you know Nissan can't print out a list of installed components from your VIN like other manufacturers can??? I find this a bit weird. However, I am digging into it with a couple of very knowledgeable Nissan guys who have good contact with the home office. We'll see what we can find.

In any event, let the uninformed wag their tongues. It's fun to watch their ignorance. hehehehe...

 

I'm happy with my "performance" model. It sounds sufficiently fast for me, . People are stupid and anyone who thinks an RX8 would beat much of anything is stupid, .

 

Just change everything on your car to where they won't have any idea what model you have. Upgraded brakes and wheels are always nice.

 

LOL but they can still peer inside the window and see the auto shifter

That's probably how they knew it wasn't a track model.

 

They were like 15 feet away, it was the rims, damn you Nissan for giving Auto Touring's 17's....

 

Most people i talk to dont even know what a track model is, let alone distinguish models. I bought the track for the brakes and light wheels, but i obviously knew performance would pretty much be the same as any Z. I didnt want leather or any fancy gadgets too, so it was my ideal choice. Plus the brakes do look nice from the side, i get many compliments on them

 

If I'm not mistaken, the best NA 0-60 magazine times were in a touring 6spd.

 

I always tell them screw the track model my BASE takes them every time lol

 

Yeah, I know how you feel. Sometimes you can't help but feel a little defensive and so you revert to thinking "I'll educate these guys." But c'mon to say and RX8 will smoke a Z?! On a track it would be fairly even, but on a straight...no contest.

 

Do you guys REALLY need to justify your car choice ?

C'mon, grow up...

A 05 Track is faster than a Base,
A RX-8 is a very close match to a Track, on a track,
An STi smokes us all...

 

Well I'm a previous Z owner (actually owned 3 at once) and I certainly knew there was no difference in HP and as for the Brembo's, yea a little better performance but not huge.

The people you're refering to are idiots. Hell I correct them all the time because I have Track ray's on my car and they say "nice Track". I say "no, touring" thinking to myself you ******* idiot.

 

Weird the opposite happens to me... They never recognize it's a Track model. Only that it's a Z. They think that my car is less than the G35coupe and say I could have spent a little more to get one. Then I tell them my Z was over $37,000 sticker.

 

most people think the Z is a 30k car whether you get a base or track model

You could have the most crazy expensive mods out there and they'd still think it's a 30k car

 

RX8. is that that strange looking little Mazda with backward little doors and a funny little engine with almost no torque that some auto mag liked so well?

 

This thread just proves why you have to always buy the car for yourself, never for anyone else.

Mod it for yourself, not for anyone else.

Honestly either people will scoff at the Z, will be impressed, or will be indifferent. If having track over touring or base makes your car more impressive, so be it.

I couldn't care less... the car makes me happy, that's good enough for me. I used to like the Maxima too even though it was not a very impressive car, go figure. FWD ain't that bad if you're not racing.