After receiving Motor Trend in the mail yesterday I decided to flip to the back where they list the road test results. Here is what I saw:

0-60 1/4 Mile/mph 60-0 Slalom

350Z Touring 5.5 13.9/102.3 115 ft 67.8
350Z Enthust 5.7 14.0/101.9 121 ft 66.4


Now I know these times are close, especially in the 1/4 mile, but don't you think there is a significant difference in the 0-60 and braking times? I know the Touring model has slightly larger rear tires (245 vs. 235) and I don't see that making a difference. Plus the Enthusiast model is lighter. Different drivers under different circumstances produce different times ... i know that ... It even says the touring run was made in the late summer and the enthus. run was in January ... Were the stock tires too cold? Was there ice on the track? I am just a little upset because I am a soon to be Enthusiast owner. Any imput guys? (or gals).

PS mag racing rules!

 

0.2 seconds is still within driver difference range, so I wouldn't worry about it. Plus, I don't think you will be able to feel 0.2 seconds difference, even if it DOES exist!

 

Yeah you are probably right, but I could sure feel that 6 foot difference in braking ....

sssssssssccccrreeeeeeeeeeeeeechhh CRASH!

 

YOu're right about the braking... that is one area where every inch can be a HUGE difference.... Maybe it was attributed to the cold? Either that, or the larger tires on the touring.

 

both could be due to traction from larger tires, also cold temp hamper the traction. but for braking, tire grip is the weakest link, anything extra would be the difference.

when did they run the 2 different cars tho? was the Z tested in that months mag as well?

 

touring was in the summer and the enth. was in JAnuary

 

Well the "Issue Date" from the Touring run was 9/02, so I suspect they did the test either in either August or September. The "Issue Date" from the Enthusiast run was 1/03, so they probably did the test in December or January. Issue date is when they wrote up the test ... i'm assuming. So would even larger tires, like 245s up front and 275s in the rear, even lessen the 115 60-0 stopping feet??

 

Yup.. your stopping distance would be significantly reduced!

 

all models are more than capable of peeling the tires on braking. abs is all that stops it from happening. so more tread, more braking power.all there is to it.

eventually youll have enough tread that your brakes will be the weakest link. then youll need grippier pads, and/or larger, slotted rotors.