Hey guys, i am currently in negotiations with my dealer on purchasing an '08 Z (new) and i am torn between accepting a sweet deal (which includes me turning in my leased car (other make) 2 month earlier) on the base model or paying considerably more for the enthusiast. Of all the things on the list of differences, the only concern i have is the Viscous limited-slip differential (VLSD) which is not available on the base model.

Considering that i will not track the Z what are the daily driving downs of lacking the limited-slip diff if any at all? Will i even notice the difference under normal driving conditions? What about rain or snow?

Would it be possible to fit an aftermarket unit at some point in time (again, if there are any street driving benefits to have at all) or am i over analyzing the issue?

This will be my first RWD car. I recently sold my '06 Evo 9 MR (age thing i guess, among other things).

I know what a limited slip is and i understand the 1, 1.5 and 2 kinds, i guess my question is more of "can you actually tell the difference between the base and enthusiast during every day (given that it may be spirited at times) driving?"

Thanks in advance.

 

Get the Base, the money you save from that buy a 2 way LSD. The only thing your not going ot get is the traction control features if I recall correctly.

How much more for the enthus model?

 

By going up to the enthusiast model i will a) have to deal with my other leased car for 2 more months (2 $375/month payments and returning the car at lease end) and have to put an additional $1,200 down.

I don't think i care about traction control. I plan to mount dedicated winter rubber plus how much snow did we get in the tri-state area this winter? So the LSD is my only concern.

 

I drive a base, and I drive spirited on occasions as well... I don't think that I would ever need any more than what I have... It drives and handles great, don't see what the big deal is, but whatever...

 

If the LSD is all you care about, get the base, you can easily swap an aftermarket LSD onto it.

 

Yeah, i figure the same... just wondering if you could tell the difference between the two if you drove both models not knowing which one is which. (I did not see any difference during the test drive)

 

You can also buy a used VLSD from members here for a hell of a better price. I think I've seen the Nismo 1.5 LSD going for 780 on the forums. While the VLSD is nice to have it wouldnt be a deal breaker for me.

 

i'd say go with the base as well. it seems like u'd save tons of money getting the base anyways, plus an aftermarket diff is much better than the viscous IMHO.

 

As long as you don't mind installing LSD after the purchase then go for the base....sounds like you will save $$$.

If you are going to drive in the winter, be sure to have snow tires and LSD. Snow tires at a minimum, LSD if you want to be able to accelerate with any consistency in snowy conditions.

 

I have an '03 base and I have yet to miss the LSD or even feel the need for one. I think 4 winter tires will do you far more good than the LSD for winter driving. If you continue driving on the summer tires......you will have difficulty even with the limited slip.

Les

 

The most popular question here from Base owners is

How much does it cost to install LSD?

Think about it.

 

Interesting point... now if only i could figure out when that question comes up in terms of duration of ownership i would be golden.

 

By the time you pay for aftermarket LSD you are getting within a few hundred bucks of the Enthusiast...which has several more goodies.

 

I vote that you wait another month and a half until after you finish out the lease on your other car, buy the Enthusiast a week before you return the leased car. No need to hurry, the Z will be there.

 

Buy the base if you are a true car guy and mod away. If you like to think you are but dont own any tools then buy a different trim level. The Base has no TCS or cruise. I have had two base models and the 05 I swapped the diff myself for 200 bucks. The 07 base I have now I dropped my diff and put a nismo 1.5 in for 500. The base is light and raw so it is up to you and your plans.

 

get the enthusiast in two months when your lease expires. base has NO CRUISE CONTROL. a feature i truly miss, but it is a good excuse for me not to drive my Z on trips longer than 50 mile or so.

 

I have enthu. I would go that route 4 Hids Cruise and factory LSD IMO

 

i really have never noticed a difference on the base model with out LSD just driving around the streets. now put it on a track or auto-x and you will see a difference, its very obvious how much it would help you out. LSD is the next mod for me.

 

Thanks guys. I have reached a decision. Getting the Touring model. Details and pics will follow purchase which is scheduled for next week. Thanks again.

 

Well, that took care of that, didn't it?