Turbo's don't have "instant" power. You'll only get power while in boost. Out of boost you gotta wait for the turbo to spool. Try a 3rd gear roll from ~2500rpms and you'll see what I'm talking about. With the Z, there's no lag in power. You step on it at any rpm, you go. You just won't feel it come on because it doesn't go from lag to boost... it's already there.

 

parts are pricey for the Z

 

I got ya, thanks

 

You've raced some pretty stock ones then, garbage drivers with modded ones or you went from a ~80 roll. Try running one with a bolt-on or two (not including a BOV or some garbage) that has a good driver behind the wheel. If you can out-launch him, you'll have a small lead, but he'll close the gap quick and if modded WILL pass you. Depending on mods you might be able to walk him back out.

 

yea the SRT-4 will FEEL faster because its turbo. Zs aren't exactly 1/4 mile cars they do handle very well. Go test drive one and take it around some curvey back roads then u'll understand the difference btwn the 2 cars

 

Its funny when ppl say stuff like that, b/c i always wonder to myself if M3, Vette, and other high end car forums say that about 'tuner' cars. oh well...regardless, the bottom line is, the Z IS a fast car. Can the SRT-4 take it from a dead stop, 1/4 mile or light to light? yeah probably. But who cares? For a more well rounded pkg you go with a Z, not an SRT-4. Dont get me wrong, i love the little pocket rocket. But in my Z i get a engine with close to 300 crank HP, RWD, the SEXIEST exhaust note of any car under 50K, one of the Sexiest cars on the road period, TONS of stares and questions, a convertible option, and a car that can cause tons of happy endings. Now, in an SRT-4 you get one SICK turbo engine, a cool looking front mount intercooler..............................and it stops there. No offense, but an SRT-4 beating me in a 1/4 mile is NO indicator that it is a better car just b/c the Z doesnt apparently have the 'power' to back it up.

 

I hate those little buggers but damn they are quick. As for the Z, its all a matter of what you are looking for. RWD Sports car, or FWD Turbo sedan. IMO personal preference goes AWD>RWD>FWD.

 

How old do you have to be to test drive cars??? Im only 18

 

if you are 18 and want to start modding a Z you better have some money or wealthy parents. bolt on mods are more than most cars and dont add much power. F/I Z is a blast, but not a cheap hobby. for a stock car the Z is a good ride, to get more power will cost you.

 

New can of bad worms just opened...

Just stick with the SRT 4... your wallet will thank you.

You can test drive a car if you got a license.

 

Tony has given you some good advise in this thread, listen to him.

 

SRT4 is a nice ride, but FWD 4-door.... tisk tisk

 

haha, I wouls just want like an Intake, and maybe exhaust. How much would that cost me? Are there any other little mods that help a lot?

 

Guessing you haven't read this yet...
Intake/exhaust on your SRT will give you MUCH more power than on a Z. Turbo cars respond better to bolt-ons than N/A cars.

 

honestly man, there are not. exhaust, intake, plenum spacer might get you 20whp then you got to get a good tune or reflash to max it. its a tough car to mod.

 

Is it possible to find a Nice Z under $16,500?

 

only if it has a crapload of miles, then also you may have trouble finding one with that many miles that hasnt been beat to hell.

 

yeah, I've been looking for a Z under $20k for a while now and its either at ~70-80k miles or just beat to hell in general. (thats going for 6 speed man, dunno about autos ) but anyway I've given up on trying to spend less than 20k im at the point where im giving up about $26k

 

If you're shooting for $26k might as well pick up an '07 Base.

 

I cross shopped the STI. A bit more $ than the Neon, but just about as fast. Once you drive a perfectly balanced, RWD Z, you'll see the #'s even an STI can produce means nothing. Don't get me wrong, I love a fast car (and the Z IS fast, don't kid yourself), but the Z FEELS like a true no compromise sports car. At 1/2 the price, you're getting a car that can do the same lap times as an E46 M3. I know because it was another car I was cross shopping. $ for $, nothing could touch the Z (and it's brand spanking new!).