I HAVE researched this, but i am still a bit confused. I am considering a base Z. I see that alot of people advocate the LSD and TCS in the Enthusiast for winter/cold weather areas. Here is the magic Question: Would you consider Atlanta one of these areas, where I should have LSD/TCS. We almost never get snow, and temp. drops down to low 20's at most. Would I be fine if i got winter tires? I don't mean to repost if it is one.

 

Winter tires in Atlanta? You need to spend a few winters up north and you will see how nice you have it. If the temps are below 50 for a few months, I would recommend getting all-seasons. I would still get the enthusiest for the TCS and LSD. This will help you out in the rain also.

 

Thanks. I guess that's what I will probably end up doing: all-seasons on an enthusiast. Yea haha i feel stupid for saying the Winter tires thing. Thanks for the advice

 

i usually just turn my vdc off when im driving in any condition other than snow or ice...the rain is fun to drive with it off in cuz you do slip and slide but i like that so i dunno...sometimes its just a hastle...but its always nice to have just in case i guess

 

Yea I guess its def. better to have it there if you need it.

 

I can’t tell you which model is best for you, but I can tell you the most popular models with 350Z owners.

 

From memory, Atlanta has some hills, so even light snow/slush/ice could warrant spending extra $ for traction-control. But in good conditions (year-round in Miami) it's a different story. 1) A lot of members usually have the TCS turned off, 2) The OEM LSD is a two-pisiton design which is not much better than the Std-differential, 3) The LSD is a viscous-LSD which doesn't kick-in until AFTER you start to loose traction. 4) The viscous-LSD looses it's efficacy over time.

 

There have been a number of threads discussing this - over and over again.

The bottom line is:
You need LSD
You can really use TCS
VDC is a nice safety net
You'll regret not having cruise control if you take highway trips.

 

Ever been behind an old Chevy/Datsun/Ford/Toyota/etc pick-up truck at
a stop in the rain?

If they takeoff briskly, then only one rear tire spins happily as they move slowly forward.....

Open diff = no fun...

 

dont underestimate homelink!! i thought i would never find a use for it until i moved into a gated community. its just so slick being able to press one of the buttons on my rear view mirror instead of having to dig out a cluncky remote all the time. plus i have my garage door programmed into it as well. thats two clunky remotes that i dont need. love it! the car sits so low too, love how trucks behind me at night dont bother me anymore with antiglare thats built into the homelink mirror. oh yeah, sports cars generally can use LSD. its hard enough to get a good launch with lsd, without lsd it must be a bear.

 

Appreciate your advice! I think I will def. go with an Enthusiast!
I'll let you know when I get it.