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Will a Z work for me?

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Old 05-10-2007, 09:32 AM
  #81  
evets
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Exclamation

You guys might enjoy checking out the Car And Driver website. For their June 2007 edition they compare a new Mustang Shelby GT; 350Z; Audi TT; and RX-8. They rank the cars and include a downloadable Data Sheet from the track including performance numbers. Mustang is rated #4 (fastest 0-60 times of 5.1); 350Z is rated #3 (0-60 at 5.2, though it had the fastest track time); Audi TT is rated #2; and RX-8 is #1. I was a little disappointed by the 350Z - they didn't like the interior!
Old 05-10-2007, 04:58 PM
  #82  
2003DropTopGT
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Originally Posted by Sean_350z
I switched from a '01 Cobra 'vert in Nov. to a '03 Enthusiast Z w/ a 5AT. That was after 15+ years of driving stick shift Mustangs. I'm really not missing much other than the 'vert part yet. I won't get a 'vert Z as I think they're fugly w/ the top up.

Mileage is about 20 w/ most being city. I managed 17-18 w/ the Cobra. The Cobra topped at 27mpg on the x-way and I haven't been on a decent length freeway trip w/ the Z yet to get a good guage for top mileage.

It's stiffer than the Cobra for sure. The Cobra's seats were more comfortable and had more range of adjustability. Brakes were a bit better too in the Cobra. The Z feels every bit as quick on the street although I haven't had it to the track yet to see how it does in the 1/4. Weather is finally nice enough that will happen soon. It'll be nice being able to launch w/out the wheelhop the Cobra IRS is famous for.

Overall I think you'll be happy w/ the change.

But your cobra had the 6 speed transmission, right? Or was it 5?

Anyway, glad to hear this. Especially from a cobra owner..
Old 05-10-2007, 05:33 PM
  #83  
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yaaay benchracing!
Old 05-11-2007, 05:04 AM
  #84  
Sean_350z
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Originally Posted by 2003DropTopGT
But your cobra had the 6 speed transmission, right? Or was it 5?

Anyway, glad to hear this. Especially from a cobra owner..
5 spd. Same trans that's in your GT. 6spd didn't show up until the '03/'04 eaton-equipped Cobras came along.

The Cobra ran a 14.0 @ 101 w/ a miserable, wheel-hopping, 2.3+ 60'. Couldn't get into it until the top of second gear. The Z feels as strong on the street and has MUCH less trouble launching.
Old 05-15-2007, 10:39 AM
  #85  
2003DropTopGT
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Sorry to bump up this thread once more, but I'm trying to weigh my options..

Base - comes with nothing
Enthusiast - comes with TC, LSD and Cruise Control
Performance - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, and VDC
Touring - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, VDC and leather, with option for navigation?

Is that right? Or does Touring not come with VDC?

Originally Posted by Sean_350z
5 spd. Same trans that's in your GT. 6spd didn't show up until the '03/'04 eaton-equipped Cobras came along.

The Cobra ran a 14.0 @ 101 w/ a miserable, wheel-hopping, 2.3+ 60'. Couldn't get into it until the top of second gear. The Z feels as strong on the street and has MUCH less trouble launching.
Ew, the Tremec 3650? On a Cobra? Never knew...thought they all came with the T-56...eaton or not =(

Last edited by 2003DropTopGT; 05-15-2007 at 10:42 AM.
Old 05-15-2007, 11:16 AM
  #86  
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Originally Posted by 2003DropTopGT
Sorry to bump up this thread once more, but I'm trying to weigh my options..

<snip>

Ew, the Tremec 3650? On a Cobra? Never knew...thought they all came with the T-56...eaton or not =(
I can only comfirm on the Enthusiast (what I drive).

Yep.......not a terrible trans but the Cobra should have had the T56 YEARS ago. The .50 OD version so some deep axle gears could have been used.
Old 05-15-2007, 11:26 AM
  #87  
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1) I'd like to spend only around 20,000 for an '05 (at a dealership, most likely). Is this possible? Not at a dealership...not likely
2) What kind of gas figures do you guys get with your Z's? 18city 27 highway
3) What octane is recommended for fill up? premium
4) Is anyone in the same situation as me? Going from a 99-04 Stang to a Z?
Nope
5) I noticed a set of rims that come stock on the Z's. 5 spoke 19/20"'s? What package will I need to look for, for these rims? They are 18s on 06 and up, 19 for the top models but they are expensive.
6) Can a Z keep up with a S197 (05+) Stang GT, straight line? yeah
7) I've driven a Z (convertible), and I noticed it's actually not as comfortable as my car, it's really stiff. Did you guys ever complain about the ride? If so, did you just get used to it? In addition to this, I like to lean back a little while driving, and I noticed that I couldn't lean back as much as I wanted in the Z convertible. Is the Z coupe the same? yeah, thats why it handles so well
8) (edit) How much quicker is the 306hp version than the 287? (difference between 05/04 models?) a little, not much. But those are in accurate figures. The 05 still had 287hp. it went to 300 in 06, and 306 in 07.

Thanks you guys,
John[/QUOTE]
Old 05-15-2007, 01:07 PM
  #88  
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Originally Posted by Sean_350z
Yep.......not a terrible trans but the Cobra should have had the T56 YEARS ago. The .50 OD version so some deep axle gears could have been used.

Yeah we enjoyed the T-56 from 93+ you would think Ford would have been using it a few years later at the latest...took a too long to get that trans in the cobra IMHO.
Old 05-15-2007, 03:08 PM
  #89  
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Originally Posted by 2003DropTopGT
Sorry to bump up this thread once more, but I'm trying to weigh my options..

Base - comes with nothing
Enthusiast - comes with TC, LSD and Cruise Control
Performance - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, and VDC
Touring - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, VDC and leather, with option for navigation?

Is that right? Or does Touring not come with VDC?



Ew, the Tremec 3650? On a Cobra? Never knew...thought they all came with the T-56...eaton or not =(
Each of the years are broken down at www.nissanhelp.com. That should clarify what trims come with what options.
Old 05-15-2007, 03:24 PM
  #90  
zpak
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Originally Posted by 2003DropTopGT
Sorry to bump up this thread once more, but I'm trying to weigh my options..

Base - comes with nothing
Enthusiast - comes with TC, LSD and Cruise Control
Performance - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, and VDC
Touring - comes with TC, LSD, Cruise Control, VDC and leather, with option for navigation?

Is that right? Or does Touring not come with VDC?
The easiest table to see these differences side-by-side can be found at:

www.nissanusa.com

Specifically:

http://www.nissanusa.com/z/specifications-coupe.html

(in case you didn't want to navigate)

One more thing: on a previous post of yours, you posted a picture with the standard 5-spokers found on the '06's and above, but you in your original post, you stated that you wanted rims that were off-set 18"/19".

Those 5-spokers in that picture you posted are 18"/18". The off-set 18"/19" rims are found only on '06 Grand Touring/Track models and '07 Grand Tourings.

For the record, 35th Anniversary Eds came with the 18"/18" 5-spokers and were the first models to have them. In a bizarre move to discount the "uniqueness" of the 35th Anniversary Eds, Nissan subsequently made that the "standard" rim the following year.
Old 05-15-2007, 04:22 PM
  #91  
2003DropTopGT
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Originally Posted by Sean_350z
I can only comfirm on the Enthusiast (what I drive).

Yep.......not a terrible trans but the Cobra should have had the T56 YEARS ago. The .50 OD version so some deep axle gears could have been used.
How's your insurance compared to the cobra?

I have a feeling yours and mine are comparable (depending on location, but since we both have a convertible and V8), but I was wondering if my insurance would go down when I switch to the Z (hard top)..

Originally Posted by zpak
The easiest table to see these differences side-by-side can be found at:

www.nissanusa.com

Specifically:

http://www.nissanusa.com/z/specifications-coupe.html

(in case you didn't want to navigate)

One more thing: on a previous post of yours, you posted a picture with the standard 5-spokers found on the '06's and above, but you in your original post, you stated that you wanted rims that were off-set 18"/19".

Those 5-spokers in that picture you posted are 18"/18". The off-set 18"/19" rims are found only on '06 Grand Touring/Track models and '07 Grand Tourings.

For the record, 35th Anniversary Eds came with the 18"/18" 5-spokers and were the first models to have them. In a bizarre move to discount the "uniqueness" of the 35th Anniversary Eds, Nissan subsequently made that the "standard" rim the following year.
Hey, does this table apply to the 03+ models? I've seen the chart but it's for the 07s....

Last edited by 2003DropTopGT; 05-15-2007 at 04:47 PM.
Old 05-15-2007, 07:20 PM
  #92  
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Originally Posted by 2003DropTopGT
Hey, does this table apply to the 03+ models? I've seen the chart but it's for the 07s....
2003:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...ifications.htm

2004:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...ifications.htm

2005:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...ifications.htm

2006:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...ifications.htm

2007:
http://www.nissanhelp.com/Models/200...ifications.htm
Old 05-15-2007, 08:46 PM
  #93  
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Originally Posted by fallenromeo
1) I'd like to spend only around 20,000 for an '05 (at a dealership, most likely). Is this possible? Not at a dealership...not likely
2) What kind of gas figures do you guys get with your Z's? 18city 27 highway
3) What octane is recommended for fill up? premium
4) Is anyone in the same situation as me? Going from a 99-04 Stang to a Z?
Nope
5) I noticed a set of rims that come stock on the Z's. 5 spoke 19/20"'s? What package will I need to look for, for these rims? They are 18s on 06 and up, 19 for the top models but they are expensive.
6) Can a Z keep up with a S197 (05+) Stang GT, straight line? yeah
7) I've driven a Z (convertible), and I noticed it's actually not as comfortable as my car, it's really stiff. Did you guys ever complain about the ride? If so, did you just get used to it? In addition to this, I like to lean back a little while driving, and I noticed that I couldn't lean back as much as I wanted in the Z convertible. Is the Z coupe the same? yeah, thats why it handles so well
8) (edit) How much quicker is the 306hp version than the 287? (difference between 05/04 models?) a little, not much. But those are in accurate figures. The 05 still had 287hp. it went to 300 in 06, and 306 in 07.

Thanks you guys,
John
[/QUOTE]

You can find alot of these answers with this amazing tool they call Google

I can answer a few

3) What octane is recommended for fill up? premium

>> Premium

5) I noticed a set of rims that come stock on the Z's. 5 spoke 19/20"'s? What package will I need to look for, for these rims? They are 18s on 06 and up, 19 for the top models but they are expensive.

>> 03-04 - 17in except for the track model (18's) 05-present 18's. If you want to maximaize power to the wheels don't go above 18...best is 17.

7) I've driven a Z (convertible), and I noticed it's actually not as comfortable as my car, it's really stiff. Did you guys ever complain about the ride? If so, did you just get used to it? In addition to this, I like to lean back a little while driving, and I noticed that I couldn't lean back as much as I wanted in the Z convertible. Is the Z coupe the same? yeah, thats why it handles so well

>>It rides a bit stiffer than most, but alot softer than some. The Z suspension is one of it's high points. The coupe has more lean adjustment.

8) (edit) How much quicker is the 306hp version than the 287? (difference between 05/04 models?) a little, not much. But those are in accurate figures. The 05 still had 287hp. it went to 300 in 06, and 306 in 07.

>> 7% quicker 0-60 I heard...but the torque band is different between the 2. Most haven't seen a difference on the street.
Old 05-16-2007, 07:45 AM
  #94  
Sean_350z
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[QUOTE=2003DropTopGT]How's your insurance compared to the cobra?

I have a feeling yours and mine are comparable (depending on location, but since we both have a convertible and V8), but I was wondering if my insurance would go down when I switch to the Z (hard top)..
QUOTE]

mine went up ever-so-slightly. Not much at all really. I was moving from an '01 to an '03 so that could have had a little bit to do with it. I was also looking at a black '05 Mustang GT coupe and the insurance on that was about the same.
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