Well, I finally got a test drive today in an Enthusiast. Trophy Nissan Dallas had about 15 Z's on their lot. The salesman and sales manager almost insisted that I take a test drive. I wasn't going to argue with 'em.

Now I know what everyone is talking about in keeping it under 4K RPM. It's really tough, but I didn't exceed it since I would imagine whoever buys the one I drove would be appreciative. They had the REV light set to 3K. Car only had 17 miles on it.

Overall, I was impressed with the torque. I don't know what some have been complaining about. What do they want, a rocket ship? I was impressed with the low end torque and that was without getting it over 4K. Handling was really sharp and precise. The salesman let me take it on some curvy side streets.

I also checked out the G35C today. No test drive, but got to sit in one, etc. Much classier (luxury appointments) than the Z. Seats seemed much thicker. I did notice that I sat higher in the G35, although it could be the roof is lower due to the moonroof. I'm 6'2" and I could shift upward in my seat and hit the roof with my head.....not so in the Z. Big difference to me is the Z looks like a sports car, the G35 is a sport coupe. Hey, wait a minute, that is the difference.

So now the decision is between a 350Z, a G35C, or a S2K. All three are nice cars and fun to drive. Dilemma Dilemma.

I did notice that the S2K insurance rates are high in comparison. Anybody have any idea why? The quote I got for the S2K was higher than a Corvette Z06.

 

s2k's a convertible. z06, 350z, are all hardtops. it's no coincedence that lexus stuck a back seat on their sc 430's. keep insurance rates down, that is between what is a sports car, 2 seater, and a sports coupe/sedan. who makes the decisions, fackin' insurance companies.

 

lol... fackin' shat

 

What dilemma?

Get the Z.

 

my vote is for the Z...

Please Pass the Grey Poupon

 

I dont think anyone wants it faster than 5.5sec 0-60. but they want it to atleast feel like it. and it doesnt. personally I like it that way, when Im doign 80, its nice to feel like Im even more in control. I dont like erratic pulse quickening jolts.

but I agree, the answer seems simple.

G35 coupe is second to the other 2 in all performance aspects, except luxury, and its back seat.

S2000 has the convertable, and about half the torque. the Z makes more torque at 2000RPM than the S2000 has at max. nice little fact. but the Z is also heavier, with that comes a bit more refined car. as in everthing else, the Z is middle of the road. and with cheaper insurance you say? whats the problem?

 

I DO!

My GMC Syclone does 0-60 in the mid 4 second range. Of course, you feel that.

 

I meant in stock form. tho Im not too familiar with the cyclone. thats a FI awd pickup isnt it? hows that baby take the corners? and does it do mid 4 in stock trim?

either way, of course, in the world of mods, the skys the limit on how fast you want it. but no one expected much better then it is in stock trim.

 

I don't think it's that easy...depends on what you're going to use it for:
weekend toy => S2000
daily driver => 350Z

I think I'd drive a Z more often, but would miss the conv. top and 9K rpm redline on those nice weekends. Too bad I don't have the $ and garage space for both!

Re: ins. rates, part of that is all the idiots crashing S2000's...it's very confidence-inspiring, but not tolerant of unskilled yet aggressive driving. I imagine Z ins. rates will increase once the insurers start collection some loss experiences.

 

It is Syclone, not cyclone. Mine is un-modded at the moment, although I do have an intake that I took off for awhile because the replacement overflow coolant tank sprang a leak, and I needed the original back on.

Yes, the magazines got from 4.3 0-60 to slightly over 5.0. It handles all right, nothing like a Z, but better than the average pickup of its era. Here is an article I googled

I was really kidding around. I'm buying a Z knowing what it is expected to do. I don't have to be wowed with my neck snapped back to enjoy it.

 

For me, the faster the Z is stock, the better... I would like to keep my car as stock as possible for reliability reasons, so if it were 0-60 in the fours, I'd be thrilled!