The base model Z should be the fastest in straightline acceleration, since it is the lightest trim level. right?

 

well. no and yes. what about track. sure its heavier but the wheels are lighter... :P

 

In *theory* that might be true. In reality, I would suspect that the variation in horsepower on different cars, driver weight, gas weight, etc. would have more effect. The base '06 is only 7 lbs lighter than the Enthu, 31 lbs lighter than the Track. You're talking about such a small difference it's almost un-noticeable.

One of the most common complaints by base owners that I've seen is that it doesn't have cruise control. You have to ask yourself which one will you be doing more often, racing or cruising down the highway? What is going to be more important, saving a few pounds or some convience/luxury items that you'll benefit from daily.

If you're concerned about the few extra pounds, then check out this thread...

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/108481-less-weight-more-power-have-you-lightened-your-z.html

 

Needs moar LSD.

 

i read somewhere else on this forum that the base is around 3200 pounds, and the heaviest Z trim is around 3500. i think they were talking about the 03 models. is this true?

 

You're theory is correct: curb weight/rear wheel torque. The smaller the number, the better the acceleration. Theoretically.

 

3188lbs for a Base. Get wheels that only weigh 16lbs each and that drops to 3148lbs. Take out the spare & tools, wiper motor & arm, passenger seat and it drops to under 3100lbs.

That's just a start .....

 

Not really... has no traction at launch.

 

Yeah if you buy a Base the first thing you should do is buy a LSD.

 

The base is a modders car. TCS and the VLSD suck for track or really anything high performance. It kills me when people say tcs saves lives. Ive driven this car in bad weather. Its one of the best handling ive ever driven. If people would stop acting like fools and drive we wouldnt need all that stuff anyways. That being said no way would i buy a base unless i planned on modding it.

Also to comment on the rim lightening comment. Any weight you would take off by putting those 18lbs rims on you would surely add in tire weight with wider tires. I would know since i have light weight rims and my car feels about the same just with a ton more grip.

 

Actaully, going from 235-50-17 040 bridgestone (29lbs)to a 255-45-17 Gdyr F1 (27lbs) you save 2 more lbs. I'm not going to go crazy wide cause I can't drive anyways. j/k Oh and the rims are 16lbs. Check it out on Tire Rack.

 

That is exactlly what I was thinking too. Has no traction for at least 2 reasons I can think of off the top of my head.

Roll on acceleration might be a different story though.

 

I suppose one could consider that some guys weigh 250lbs and some weigh 160lbs...This would also be a factor

 

Lighter wheel/tire combos help a great deal when talking acceleration and performance.
One of the easiest and best ways to shave off some time at the track...