Anyone out there try both and notice any difference in steering feel? I've fallen in love with the heavy steering of the 2005 Z's I've driven, and now I am trying to decide whether to go with 05 or 06. I hope Nissan hasn't increased the steering boost, reducing effort, for 2006; can someone confirm?

Thank you very much!
-pavel.

 

I kinda noted that differance in this recent thread
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/158647-redesigned-clutch-in-2006-a.html

 

I'd get the '06, it's better/nicer than the '05. Steering feel is good too.

 

its a work out @ parking lot speeds
definately

 

I definitely like the changes they made to the 2006, from bigger brakes to interior and exterior. It's very tempting to just go and order a 2006 but the lame thing is, no one here (Northeast) has one I could try. I really do want my steering to be a workout, so I hope they haven't made it too light with their speed-sensitive thingie.

I just tried an MR2 Spyder, and the steering in that is waaaay light; like a lexus.

-pavel.

 

I made a thread earlier about how I didn't notice much of a change in the steering between a 2005 and 2006. Though some of that could be because I'm about four months removed from the '05.

After about a week or so, I think the '06 may be slightly firmer at speed. Either way, both types of steering are decent in my book.

 

Here's that thread https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/158325-2005-vs-2006-a.html

Sort of a confused review as my thought are all over the place.

 

Thanks for the pointer! The 4th post in that thread has me concerned. I wonder if there were incremental changes between all years that made the 2006 signifficantly lighter than the 2003 (at low speed). Damn, looks like I will have to wait until the dealers start getting 2006 cars here, although by then there might not be any 2005s left...

thanks!
-pavel.

 

Not incremental changes, different system altogether. '03-'05 has engine speed sensitive steering (steering effort increases with RPM), '06 has vehicle speed sensitive steering (effort increases with MPH). I have not driven an 'o6, but I suspect the biggest difference will be a very light steering feel at low speeds (makes it easy to manuver in a parking lot). '03-'05 cars would experience more steering effort in the same situation b/c if you cruise a parking lot in 1st or 2nd gear, your RPM is up and effort has been increased. I have no idea which is supposed to be better and why, but I like the feel of my '03 just fine; I like my steering to have some weight behind it.

 

So I keep hearing that the brakes are bigger on the 06. Is it just the rotor that is bigger?

 

The non-Brembo rotors on 2006 are nearly an inch bigger and a little thicker also than on 2005; almost the same size as Brembo now. Probably the reason 18" wheels are standard for 2006. The only advantage the brembos have now are the multiple piston calipers, which are of dubious value (stock brakes with proper pads should be nearly as good).

Oh, and the bigger brakes along with bigger wheels probably explain a lot of the car's weight gain. Too bad it's all unsprung weight.

Thanks for the steering explanation -- I didn't know pre-2006 was engine speed sensitive. That must feel a bit weird -- steering goes lighter as RPMs go up. I didn't take the cars I drove to the red line, so I didn't experience this. Come to think of it, I think my Miata (1995) used to feel like that, but it wasn't a big deal.

-pavel.

 

2 piston front calipers are on the 06's.

+1. Like the feel of my 05.

 

The more I learn the more I like!

-pavel