It seems to me the major mechanical difference between the two are the traction control and the limited slip differential. My question is that according to Carsdirect there is about a $1,500 difference in price between the two models. The LSD to me seems a bit ineffective. Mostly because it is a RWD car so it does not suffer the torque steer of some high HP FWD cars and because the LSD is a reactive mechanism. It only starts to work after some slipping has occurred. Also, I've always driven cars without traction control and I don't see how it really helps in my everyday driving.

Would you get the enthusiast over the base model?

 

die,

bravehearts, take over from here.

 

Depends on what you are looking for out of the car. If you intend to install alot of upgrades such as a NISMO or other aftermarket lsd then go with the base.

 

trust me, i speak from experience, traction control saved my life in the rain on I-95 back in '04 when i had to haul @$$ across 3 lanes to avoid a shredded 18-wheeler tire that was rolling across the highway...i fish-tailed left-right-left-right but somehow remained in (relative) control. (my old celica would have landed me in the ditch or into oncoming traffic)

well, if you are driving in such a way that you need TC in you every day driving then you are probably absusing your z and leading a reckless life...TC is really intended for those moments that we dread when your heart skips a few beats, your stomach drops, and your life flashes infront of you..

 

[QUOTE=DevineOrn]trust me, i speak from experience, traction control saved my life in the rain on I-95 back in '04 when i had to haul @$$ across 3 lanes to avoid a shredded 18-wheeler tire that was rolling across the highway...i fish-tailed left-right-left-right but somehow remained in (relative) control. (my old celica would have landed me in the ditch or into oncoming traffic)

[QUOTE = Polo08816]Also, I've always driven cars without traction control and I don't see how it really helps in my everyday driving.Do you mean traction control or VDC?

 

^^^ you're right, very right. i guess TC would help mostly if you lived in snow-covered or muddy areas...

 

polo you're pretty much right on the money. The LSD is a viscous type, meaning it's low maintenance but not as effective as a clutch type. Traction control is also pretty much worthless. Any halfway competent driver can modulate the throttle without needing a computer system to do it for him. Traction control doesn't keep you from having a wreck, it simply eliminates excessive wheelspin. You specially don't need TC with an open end differential.

I can't tell you which to get, you have to make up your mind on what is more important to you. Personally I didn't want to spend a lot of money, and I didn't feel like I needed any bells and whistles, so I got a base model. I have no regrets(did my homework, no surprises). Honestly there are some times when I'm cornering hard that I miss not having even a weak vlsd, for a brief moment at least. Still no regrets.

 

I turned traction control off to test it on wet pavement; after making a left turn and "tapping" it in 2nd, I almost hit the left and right curbs since hte car was swirving all over the place. This didn't happen when i "tapped" it with TC on, however.
Definately worth it for me.

 

big thread about this topic

search for .. 2006 base coupe...any regrets?

 

Traction control is for pu$$ies and women who can't drive (have no throttle control).

Base models rule!!!!

 

Did I type that out loud? Perhaps I should have re-phrased that a tad....

Nahhhhh.

 

roflmao @ base model rules

no it doesnt. but its not bad either its a nice car, it just doesnt rule.

 

Owners prefer the Enthusiast over the Base.

 

Davidv prefers KY over vaseline.

 

David, very interesting. Where did you get that info? Is there a similar breakdown for the Roadster trim lines?

 

For anyone that's going to make serious performance modifications, I think the Base model is the way to go, even over the Track model. Virtually everything you get on the Track model can be had for less and with greater performance from the aftermarket. The only exception would be if you have to have the factory warranty intact. In that case, stick with what the factory offers.

If you're looking for a comfortable touring ride straight from the factory, then that's what you should get.

 

There are other differences in the base/enthusiast. Nothin major mechanically but you do get the radio controls and cruise control on the wheel. You get the auto-dimming homelink rear view mirror which is nice if you have a garage door opener. Eliminate having to keep that crap in your car. In 03 the enthusiast came with Hi intensity headlights, now standard on all 06 models, base included. So for only a little bit more you get a couple extra goodies.

 

LSD not important? I think it is one of the most critical parts of a performance vehicle. I f*cking hate not having it.

 

Then get a NISMO LSD or a Quaife...

 

+1 for enthu. u also get homelink and HIDs