Howdy!
I searched a couple times, but couldn't find what I was looking for too readily, so sorry if this is redundant. I'm teh n00b at Zs.

Have any of you guys owned both a coupe and a roadster before? What kind of difference should I expect in terms of chassis rigidity and handling and ride quality? I've driven a couple of Z coupes, but not a roadster, and I am now considering looking into one. Thanks!

tre

 

i've driven both and i can say the converitble with the top up is kinda noisy inside cabin.

 

the ride quality is about the same but the chassis is a bit different with the flex. Of course the coupe is going to feel more solid as it has a better overall frame for the vehicle during turns and such but there are additional welds around the car to help with the rigidity problem with the roadster. That is what causes it to be a little heavier than the coupe. You really have to go out and drive both to get the real feel of it. The coupe is my choice but I kind of do miss not having a convert for the summers

 

I have owned both. The coupe for 2.5 years and the roadster for almost 10 months now. Exactly like he said above.

An important factor to consider if you like the roadster. Do you normally drive with the windows down in a nice cool day?

Tony

 

coupe wins :-D

 

To the OP: this above post is a good one.

Also, though, the roadster is heavier because of the mechanicals involved in raising/lowering the roof, and without a fixed roof, rigidity will suffer, despite spot welds (this is why the Cayman is superior to the Boxster).

Weight of convertible: 3567lbs - 3608lbs (depending on trim/transmission)

Weight of coupe: 3313lbs - 3389lbs

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

(that's potentially almost a 300lbs difference...that's like 2 extra passengers or 1 Rosie O'Donnell...)

 

Agreed that the roadster is noiser than a coupe as would be expected, but I'm suprised how quiet it is. Just of the three ragtops I've had (944S2, Vette, Z), the Z has the most quiet interior with the top up.

The wind deflector works well too. The Z roadster has the best airflow with the top down that I've experienced.

 

No need to roll up the windows on the ZR!!!!

 

Welcome. If you are a roadster enthusiast, and enjoy top-down driving, then the roadster is for you. You may notice the additional 8 percent weight difference. Maybe not.

 

Thanks so much for your input fellas.
I definitely expect to have the top down probably >70% of the time, and I've always wanted a convertible, and I guess the difference in rigidity isn't so major that the roadster is sloppy, floppy or weak. Thanks guys!

 

Just sold my 03 for an 06 Roadster. I live in Northern California (near San Jose) and drive a lot of the year with the top down. Just last night came home from San Luis Obispo down the coast of Big Sur with the top down. Worth the price of admission. A drive I will never forget. Sunsetting, ocean blue as ever, perfect temperature and great music and the TOP DOWN.
Best drive I have ever had in a car.
Rogerc

 

 

If you like to drive top opened and enjoy the sun as well as the wind, choose the roadster. Some people might argue that the coupe looks better, which I completely agree with that, but you can always modify it.

Here's a pic of my Z roadster

I can say that I love it.

 

Haha, sweet. Looks like you've got me pretty much sold. Thanks a lot fellas!
tre

 

yea get the roadster cos it's more fun specailly in LA

if u're getting a used one then check out mine 04'1/2 with 38K miles

https://my350z.com/forum/socal-marketplace/294461-fs-04-zroadster-touring-36k-miles.html

 

That has got to be the sexiest roadster I have ever seen...I flat out did not like them until 20 seconds ago. Now I WANT one.

 

Great vernacular. Damn, now I want a convertible!!!

 

I wanted the handling of the coupe but I HAD to have a 'vert. So I got the S-tune put on and it feels wonderful. I doubt Im missing much from the coupe at this point, but Im accentuating my already atrocious golfer tan

Noise hasnt been a bother for me either. Top up at highway speeds conversation is as easy as in any other car (hell yer only 2 feet away from them...) If im going fast with the top down I put the passenger window up and that helps a good bit, but if I know Im going over 80mph for an extended period (like driving 6 hours on the interstate) that top is up all the way.

 

i have the roadster and havent regretted my decision at all. i see the OP lives in torrence and i live in the south bay as well. so yeah, you'll probably have the top down 95% of the time esp since you live in so cal.

the only problems is when it gets really really hot out (like this week). you'll totally feel like youre roasting on the freeways.

when you take it for a test drive, drive the roadster with the windows up and you will notice that you can have a regular conversation without screaming at the top of your lungs.

hope that was some help

 

LOL i feel EXACTLY the same way!