Hi, new member here.

I'm thinking of purchasing a roadster of some sort around this winter, and the Z is on my short list.

Basically the only things I'm looking for is manual transmission and preferably with navigation. Amongst new cars, the Enthusiast trim sounds perfect, but apparently (according to Nissan's web site) doesn't have nav as an option? I'd also like a wilder color - preferably red

I'm open to used as well (probably would prefer it actually) - assuming I can find a car that I like. While used Zs in general seem to be fairly common, the roadsters seem quite rare to say the least. How hard do you think it would be to find a used 6MT roadster with nav (I assume it would be at least Touring trim?)?

Finally, is the Z really that heavy? I haven't been researching for long, but for some reason I always assumed the Z, as a two-seater, would be on the lighter side. I guess not.

My current car is a 2001 IS300. It handles great IMHO, though honestly I don't have much to compare it against. How would you say the Z's handling is compared to the IS300?

 

I am not sure. Visit Ripken Stadium on October 22 and race against me. Lets see how you do.

http://www.phillyscca.com/schedule/r...l_schedule.htm

 

You have seemed to do your research. The touring is the only current model that has the nav stock. Of course you can always put in aftermarket nav if you prefer. I don't think it would be all that hard to find a used roadster. You just have to shop around, don't be impulsive, get an idea on how much you want to spend. The roadsters generally are a few grand more expensive than the coupes.

I'd bet my life on it that stock for stock, the Z hands down, would kick *** in handling over the IS. Good luck looking. The Z is a great car.

 

Try something like autotrader.com. I found a white 2004 Touring roadster with nav and less than 6000 miles there in March. About 30 miles from my house.

Slick vehicle, but yes, it's heavy for a two-seater. Built on the same platform as the Maxima, G35 sedan, etc.

 

Yes, we are fat... but fat has never looked and felt so damn good! Maybe that is why American society is in a downfall ... ? Damn McDonalds!

 

I just got a Z a few days ago, and I have to say you really don't notice the weight. My previous car, a subaru wrx, was techincally lighter but felt heavier than the Z.

 

Out of curiousity, where does the bulk of the weight come from? Is it the engine?

 

Come on now, the civic is around 2800 lbs. Whats a few extra pounds considering its a Z. I (at least) don't think its made of sh!tty material..and neither are gallardos with similar curb weights...

 

I love it that the Z is a bit heavier than the typical roadster. It holds the road really well and I don't feel like I'm driving a toy, like I did when I test-drove a Miata.

You'll love the roadster if you buy it. They are somewhat rare, but not all that difficult to find. You're in New York - upstate or near NYC? If near the city, you shouldn't have much problem finding one.

 

I have driven the IS300 like a few years back. I would think the Z handles better than the IS but honestly I don't remember. Also the Z is basicly agreed by just about everyone that its really heavy for a two-seater. Best of Luck.

 

The Maxima is on a different platform, the Z shares its platform with the M35/45, G35 and FX35/45


The 350z Roadster weighs in at 3600 lbs... the coupe is around 3300 lbs.... I've never driven a IS300 but Magazines show its numbers as

0-60: 7.2 seconds
1/4: 15.3 seconds

The Roadster will kill it... The roadster should also out handle it...

 

Oops, you're right, of course.

I was thinking of the Infiniti sedans. The point, however, is the same. It's a platform used for good-sized sedans and even a crossover SUV. Very different from a designed-from-scratch sports car like a Miata or a Elise.

 

Re. why the Roadster weighs more than the Coupe, the solid roof on the Coupe adds structural rigidity to the car, It helps with the flex in the body when cornering, etc. Since the Roadster doesn't have that solid roof, they have to strengthen/reinforce the frame. That's where the extra weight comes from.

 

Plus the automatic roof mechnism adds a few lbs to...

 

i thought my 1990 300zx handled better than the IS (drove them back to back on a road course), and i definately think my 350z handles better than my 300zx. So by the powers of deduction, the 350z handles better than the IS.

 

I found our 350ZR (w/nav) pretty easily from a local guy. It has been to a bunch of road courses in the year we've had it - it's a pure dream to drive. The most common question I get is, "Man, does that TT350 get down!" Then I'm forced to tell them that, minus brakes, tires, and a JWT intake, it is completely stock.

You must drive one to appreciate it - seriously...