My cousin is torn between the enthusiast and the perf. model. The only concern he has is the VDC, so I ask is it that big of a deal?

 

In the Midwest, YES YES YES.

In CA, maybe not.

It does a great job of helping the car to handle a little snow and rain. Buy the performance for the VDC, 18" wheels/tires, and tire pressure monitors, not just for the VDC, I did, and never looked back, except for the flashing blue and reds in the rear view mirror.

 

You dont need the VDC in california.

 

It saved my *** a couple of times when I came around a blind corner and hit a patch of wet slippery leaves on the road. I wasn't paying close enough attention at the time but unfortunately I find myself distracted way too much and the VDC keeps my out of that sort of trouble.

 

If you have never driven a rear wheel drive car before with any power, I would suggest getting it. This car can get sideways easily and it is a good way to learn the limits by letting the ECU keep you from doing someting bad...

 

All you need is the TCS for that, I dont see you really needing the VDC unles yer drivin on icy or snowy roads.

 

My bad, I tend to lump the 2 together since there is 1 button (?) to turn both of them off.

 

Definitely get the VDC. You will need it in wet weather. Also, why not get it. It makes your car much safer for normal driving, and you can always turn it off when you want to "have a spirited drive".

 

VDC = Better Resale Value

 

I disagree, you dont need it in wet weather...Its been raining here on and off the last couple weeks, and not once have I had any problems with traction or losing control..TCS is pretty much all you need if yer not dealing with snow or ice

 

If you don't need your VDC in wet weather, then you are not driving your car fast enough.

 

absolutely...

It gives the Z *almost* a AWD feel to it.

Now, this winter in NJ was pretty bad and while the VDC does help - you CANT RELY on it b/c when its VERY slick it doesnt cut in at ALL!!!

So basically, I think VDC is worth it for the ONE time it saves your *** (and it will). I've never had a RWD car before - my last car was a VTEC lude. So yes while I consider myslef a decent driver, I wasnt prepared for the antics a RWD is capable of.

What you have to ask yourself is - how much is $2000 spread over the term of your loan vs lease?

 

Yep, you should drive real fast in wet weather.

 

exactly

 

I still don't get the difference between the 2...

 

I personally feel better having the VDC for when my wife drives the Z - - we get alot of rain here in Florida.

 

TCS does not compensate for loss of yaw control. It only compensates for rear wheel slippage. The VDC system actually knows when the car is yawing left or right and slipping. It can actually correct the vehicle's path automatically, to some degree. The TCS system just bogs the power and hits the brakes to stop the rear wheels from slipping. The VDC system incorporates TCS into it, as well.

 

Have driven about 120km since I got the car with OEM summer tire and there is still snow on some side streets. Took the car out for a spin last night and almost couldn't get back into my garge cause there is some snow patch still on my driveway.

What I find is the the TCS was not as intrusive as I expected (which is great) compared to the system on my Mercedes C320. The system on the 350z does allow some wheel spin before engaging. Just one more data point for you to consider.

If I were you, I would get the VDC. It will save you butt one day. Oh, I used to love driving my Audi TT on wet road and induce a 4-wheel drift, what fun!! Would love to try that on the 350z, but I will keep the VDC on for the first few times, just to figure out where the 350z or the tire's limits are.

 

VDC definitely doesn't replace common sense. And it definitely doesn't mean you can take your Z out in snow or freezing rain, or think it's OK to floor it when the pavement is anything other than warm and dry. I've driven the Z in driving rain with no problem.

If you feel like you'd be lending your Z to someone inexperienced (or if you yourself are inexperienced), or absolutely must drive your Z everyday, it's most likely a good idea.

 

I was looking at a Enthus model... you guys really think it's worth the extra 2Gs for the Performance model????