anyone?

 

There really hasn't been any evidence that there is any difference between the models. If there is, it's probably very small.

 

The base doesn't have the limited slip differential so it would not launch as well. (tire spin).

Other than that they should be comparable in acceleration.

In handling and braking the track model would be better due to larger rims, wider tires, and better brakes.

 

Although the base doesn't have a limited slip, it is the lightest model. I have already ran a 13.90 with my base and I think I can get 2 tenths better with a couple of more runs......
Jason
NJ

 

base is the lightest, by about 50lbs I think... if you believe nissans claims anyway.

but the LSD and narrow tires are gonna limit the times. I think you'll find 60 foot times to vary between the models, and that will translate to a win.

of course, it is the same car, the driver could over come any handicap it might have.

 

I've explained this before, I'll do it again. The 50 pound curb weight difference between the base and the track is negated by the weight of the wheels.

Rotating parts of the drivetrain have different weight characteristics known as "rotational mass". Wheels, pulley, etc. Rotational mass equates to 10x's curb weight. Every 10lbs of rotational mass = 100lbs of curb weight.

That being said, let's look at the wheel set up on the base and the track. Nissan used the ray's wheels on the track for a reason. Searches have yeilded the following approximations for wheel weight. Base 17's = 24lbs each, Track 18's = 18lbs each. The math...

24 - 18 = 6 (difference in weight per wheel) 6 x 4 = 24 (total weight difference in wheels) 24 x 10 = 240 (curb weight equated to rotational mass) 240 - 50 = 190 (rotational mass minus base curb weight advantage)

So after performance based mathematics, the Track has a 190lbs weight advantage. Which basically means times will depend more on the driver, but with the same driver and conditions in each car, the track will yield slightly better times.

 

Actually the Track is 37lbs heavier according to Nissan. Base weighs 3188 and the track weighs 3225.

 

I think you missed the fact that the brake rotors are heavier on the track model. That should at least make up for the lighter wheels. Also, the tires are probably a little heavier than the base model's.

 

also don't forget that most of the weight of a rim is on the outside... so a 17 inch rim that weights 20lbs. is BETTER than a 18 inch rim that also weights 20lbs.

 

The weight encumberance in rotational mass is derivetted from the spinning of object. Doesn't really matter where the lip is, the weight will inevitably be focused at the hub.

 

I see what you are saying, but you can't just assume that a pound of rotational mass anywhere on the car is equal to 10 lbs. of dead weight. That may be a "rule of thumb" that you've heard somewhere, but you would actually have to consider what's called the "mass moment of intertia" or, in common terms, the measure of resistance to rotational motion. That's why it's a good idea to make big wheels light, like on the Track.

Anyway, everyone gets the idea.
WayneTN

 

I agree. Without getting into to much technical detail, the point is, the 37 lbs curb weight difference on the base is not going to DEFINITELY equate to faster times. Nor will the advantages of the track always yield better times. Again, it's about driver, it's about conditions.

 

Sure it does! That's why a spinning ice skater revolves faster when they pull their arms in. For wheels that weigh the same, it would be better to not have that weight on the rim. It would take less power to get the wheel rotating quicker.

WayneTN

 

You are correct. I forgot my laws of inertia for a minute there.

Though I still do not believe that the 1" difference will make up for extra overall weight.

 

Besides that 50lbs or so between the 2 cars??? Unless you are using the same driver and test both cars, the weight of the drivers may come into play. If a 150 lb driver race against a 200 lb driver, the car would weigh equal now, right?

Just a thought!

 

As a track model owner, I gotta put in my $0.02. The 350Z track model was specifically designed to be faster on a road course than any of the other models. There's NO question that the braking ability and greater tire contact patch of the track model will help it to disappear into the distance as the laps unfold (assuming equal drivers, tires, etc). I've driven both the Enthusiast model and track model back-to-back on a road course and can say that they would be quite close over the course of say, a lap. Go five laps HARD and the track model would begin pulling away. Beyond ten laps, the base, enthusiast, performance and touring models will all begin to suffer extreme brake fade and will have to throttle back. Drag racing, while important, is only a portion of what this car is all about, IMO.

 

yes distance from center matters, but I think it will all just work to be somewhat equal. you could go on... oh 17" rim means more sidwall so tread weighs more... ect, there could never be a true answer.

also the rotor is not heavier I dont think, I know brembo uses a light weight design. probably equal to what the stock is, with a bigger rotor. so we'll call that a wash, unless you want to bring in the fact that its rotating mass is also farther from the center...

anyway, race em and find out, like i said, I dont think rim weight or car weight will play in, from a roll I bet its dead even, but from a launch, LSD and wider stickier(kinda...) tires will edge it out with a good launch that edges into LSD territory.

 

Ares, I hate these tires!! I can't wait to change them! S03's as soon spring rolls around. I had the re040's on my first S4 and when I went to the track, I spun all four wheels off the launch. These tires have me afaid to push the car. Plus the RE040's are very suseptable to bubbling.

When I change, I will probably go with at least a 255 in the rear.

 

From an earlier thread, the total weight of the Brembo aluminum calipers and steel rotors on a Track model is 102.8 pounds. On the standard Nissan setup, the calipers and rotors weigh a total of 92.6 pounds. Difference is 10.2 pound weight disadvantage for the Track that is more than made up for by the lighter weight wheels. The other weight of a Track model is in the rear spoiler and the unique-to-Track model, diffuser/blockers under the car behind the rear wheels.