Great feel in the cockpit. Enclosed but not cramped (I'm 5'10"). Can spread my elbows when I want to.

I'm comparing this to my 95 Maxima SE and an 84 RX-7. The response and cornering are crisp. My acceleration wants to pass the 4000 rpm break-in limit. The shift indicator is set at 3300 (not sure if that is the factory setting or the dealer changed it (since there was 14 miles on the car when I got it...)).

I'm sure more information on handling when the Z32 drivers get to drive one and make comparisons...

The only thing I noticed is with the reaview mirror. There is a narrow band of view between the roof line and the rear strut brace. The view is like a periscope (looking through a small hole).

The vibration in the gear shifter has not been noticed to date. Do not know if this is because of the 4000 rpm limitation or Nissan achieved dampening on the shifter. It has smooth operation (as long as I remember to push it out for 5th). Putting it in R is going to take time getting used to.

 

You pretty much echoed my feelings on driving the car..good to hear ...just remember to push down on the gear shift for R and you'll be fine

I had a hell of a time finding it the first time

 

I don't understand what you mean.

Push down as in shifting to R towards you? Or literally push downward on the lever just to access it?

 

Pushing downwards on the lever. Don't you have to do the same for the old manual VW bugs to shift to R?

 

You know your cars ICY. I had to find out the hard way. When my girl and I went to Cabo earlier this month, we rented a "convertible" bug (just an old bug with the top chopped off). This car was fun as hell to drive. Anyways, the first time I had to reverse, I couldn't find it!!#@% Ended up pushing the damn thing anytime I wanted to reverse.

Complained to the rent-a-car lady, she gets in the car, pops it in reverse. I'm looking stupid. She told me to push down on the lever. Gee thanks lady...shoulda told me when I picked up the car. Oh well...

 

You guys need to get out and drive more cars. Pushing down on the shifter for reverse is nothing new and is used quite extensively on a lot of german/european cars.

 

Ya, my TT does that right before it CRUNCHES into reverse.

 

I hope you are talking about the car...




Most reverse gears are not syncromeshed(sp), so sometimes you have to push the clutch in, let it out and then push it back in to engage reverse. This is the reason why you sometimes hear a grinding noise when reverse is engaged.

 

Actually that statement could apply to something else but that was so long ago and would be a very long story

Push down...to the right...then back....walla...the big R

Like I said in my test drive review...been a long time since I drove a stick

 

My old Audi TQC required you to push down to get into reverse...

 

Same thing on my old '78 Rabbit.

 

I REALLY hope your still talking about cars...

 

You see mrducks...for the most part we are a fun bunch...

 

Navy-Z,

I also will be leaving behind a 95 Maxima SE for a 350Z... How does the difference in handling and extra 100 HP feel to you?

I'm really excited to get my Z in November...Those 70 days are going to drag.

Congrats on your new Z!

 

Didn't leave the Maxima (couldn't part with such a dependable car).

The Z is such a rush to drive compared to the Maxima, but I really notice that when I drive the Maxima. The shifter is soooo looooonnnngggg (I had to have the 5 speed manual). The clutch and assembly will probably go soon since I try to short shift it...

I can't wait to pass the 1200 mile break-in period.

Other note: The passenger shoulder belt rattles when not in use (the fitting against the pillar) so use the clip on the pillar to secure it.

 

I just bought my wife a 2002 maxima se, and with my Z we'll have a nice little nissan family. I find her car impressively fast, much faster than the 95 maxima SE I once had. BTW,I put a K&N/Stillen airbox in her car, and the sound is amazing!

Anyway, I cant wait to see what an extra 30 hp does to the vq engine.... must be sweet. I'm kind of hoping the Z is my wife's car, on steroids!

 

S2000 is exactly the same way. It's a good safety feature IMHO.