Is it worth sacrificing weight and money for these optional systems? The base model has a curb weight of 3188 lbs. and the performance trim which includes both systems weighs in at
3217 lbs. and cost $4160.00 more. Does either of these systems provide benefits that justify the cost and additional weight? I understand that the amount of added weight is pretty negligible; I'm more concerned with the cost which I think might be better used on aftermarket performance parts.

 

Adding aftermarket traction control is going to be expensive, if it's even possible. You have to ask yourself if you're going to benefit from a traction control system. In order to answer that, you need to know your driving history and style, along with your location.

 

First of all the weight is not all that much more (I know that every little bit counts), but if you buy some track wheels (or other comparably lightweight aftermarket wheels) that'll give you some weight back. Also, every model other than the base comes with a limited slip differential. Also, traction control could possibly save your life. Granted, in my car I frequently turn it off to have a little fun, but if it's raining hard and you haven't driven a rwd car with decent torque before...

 

Living in Chicago is incompatible with not having TCS and VDC.

 

Alright so TCS should be a must, especially with me living in a snow-prone area, but how bout the VDC what exactly does this acronym do for me?

 

This has been discussed many times in this forum, please do a search; you will learn a lot.

Briefly, as I understand it, TCS keeps you from breaking traction up to about 5 MPH. Faster than that, TCS does nothing.

VDC works to keep you from breaking traction at any speed. If you're pushing it through a curve and your wheels start to slip, whether from wet pavement or sand on the pavement or just that you're pushing it too hard, VDC will work to keep you from breaking traction. This may mean that it will apply the brakes to a wheel or two, it may mean that it ignores your command to increase throttle or it actually reduces throttle.

A lot of people report that they don't like VDC. I like it. I suspect that those who don't like it are the people who are comfortable with using and playing with "drift", people who are comfortable with managing a rear-wheel-drive car that is no longer in complete traction with the pavement.

As was stated above, it all depends on what kind of driver you are.

 

Korel,
I constructed an article for the local Z club. It's based on Web research and the Z shop manual. It covers all of the electronic chassis controls. PM an email address and I'll mail you a copy in MS-Word format. Anyone is welcome to the article.