My 240sx is sold , Will i like the 350Z??
My roomate/ cousin had a 97 S14 with KA... breathing mods, springs, shocks...the essentials. I drove it back to back a few times.
S14 felt really light and picked up really well due to it's weight. It was fun on wet surfaces because you can easily toss the tail around...hence drifting.
Cons was, transmission didn't feel too smooth and the handling wasn't too tight. It needs upgraded suspension to feel more sorted.
Hopping back in the Z, suspension was muuuuch tighter. The Z is ridiculously rigid compared to a near stock s14. Everything is quieter and the car feels a tad heavier (compared to a base Z), but the stiff chassis makes up for it. Transmission feels more precise and the down-low torque and throttle response is all there.
S14 felt really light and picked up really well due to it's weight. It was fun on wet surfaces because you can easily toss the tail around...hence drifting.
Cons was, transmission didn't feel too smooth and the handling wasn't too tight. It needs upgraded suspension to feel more sorted.
Hopping back in the Z, suspension was muuuuch tighter. The Z is ridiculously rigid compared to a near stock s14. Everything is quieter and the car feels a tad heavier (compared to a base Z), but the stiff chassis makes up for it. Transmission feels more precise and the down-low torque and throttle response is all there.
Last edited by 35oZephyR; May 21, 2010 at 09:01 AM.
..I can't think of a reason why you wouldn't like it? I do not think it costs to test drive a car
I am not talking about after costs..
I have a lightly modded S14 now (KA24DE) and a lightly modded '07 Z. I've had a lightly modded S13(KA24E) and a '03 Z . If you're use to the way you could toss around the S14 at low speeds (i.e.: AutoX) you're gonna find out that the Z is not the same feel. The Z will feel like it's a foot wider (actually only about half a foot wider), but will be smooth. Steering ratios is a lot quicker on the Z and w/ less assist than the S14, it feels just right.
The Z is more refined (if you can call it that) than the S-chassis and feels more sporty on a larger scale. On a track the Z is far more confidence inspiring than the S14, especially at speeds beyond 100, it's perfect. The S14 always seemed a little hairy when getting up to those speeds and near the point of failure under hard braking from high speeds while down shifting. S14 seems to present good visibility all around, the Z really makes you focus on what's in front of you and almost forces you to look forward (a good thing).
I've driven a heavily modded SR20DET S14 and RB20DETT S13 in autoX, engines are strong but I much prefer the NA of VQ engines as it allows for some throttle modulation in the corners. The VQ does not feel like it is pulling as hard as an SR20 but only because it's so linear. Straight line wise the Z is faster vs a comparable SR20DET equipped S-Chassis.
Aftermarket Z parts are about 25%-50% more than S-chassis parts. Most decently engineered parts seem to bolt-on better on the Z, always seemed to notice some kind of fitment issue for the S13 & S14, never really perfect. Better manufacturing tolerances on the Z. Tires are a big ticket item for the Z. Burning through a decent set of UHP or R-Comps will cost you a grand and since the Z is a much heavier car (+500 lbs) it will burn thorough tires a lot quicker.
The open diff Z is undesirable, you can't get any (useful) amount of power down. VLSD is needed but is still not good enough. Going to a true LSD is a huge improvement. Lastly, I also kinda like being able to comfortably rest my arm on the S14's door when the window is down for lazy driving. Not really comfortable attempting it on the Z since the belt-line is really high. The Z is a comfy ride as long as it's not set up too harsh. I've done 300+ mile trips in the S14 and the Z and the Z is the more comfortable of the two, although the back seats in the S-chassis is makes it more practical for long trips.
The Z is more refined (if you can call it that) than the S-chassis and feels more sporty on a larger scale. On a track the Z is far more confidence inspiring than the S14, especially at speeds beyond 100, it's perfect. The S14 always seemed a little hairy when getting up to those speeds and near the point of failure under hard braking from high speeds while down shifting. S14 seems to present good visibility all around, the Z really makes you focus on what's in front of you and almost forces you to look forward (a good thing).
I've driven a heavily modded SR20DET S14 and RB20DETT S13 in autoX, engines are strong but I much prefer the NA of VQ engines as it allows for some throttle modulation in the corners. The VQ does not feel like it is pulling as hard as an SR20 but only because it's so linear. Straight line wise the Z is faster vs a comparable SR20DET equipped S-Chassis.
Aftermarket Z parts are about 25%-50% more than S-chassis parts. Most decently engineered parts seem to bolt-on better on the Z, always seemed to notice some kind of fitment issue for the S13 & S14, never really perfect. Better manufacturing tolerances on the Z. Tires are a big ticket item for the Z. Burning through a decent set of UHP or R-Comps will cost you a grand and since the Z is a much heavier car (+500 lbs) it will burn thorough tires a lot quicker.
The open diff Z is undesirable, you can't get any (useful) amount of power down. VLSD is needed but is still not good enough. Going to a true LSD is a huge improvement. Lastly, I also kinda like being able to comfortably rest my arm on the S14's door when the window is down for lazy driving. Not really comfortable attempting it on the Z since the belt-line is really high. The Z is a comfy ride as long as it's not set up too harsh. I've done 300+ mile trips in the S14 and the Z and the Z is the more comfortable of the two, although the back seats in the S-chassis is makes it more practical for long trips.
besides the fact that the 350z is a newer car (no rattling or problems) compared to the 240sx, in my opinion, a 240sx with an sr20 will be about par with the 350z....but that's if you ask me... i would've stuck with the turbo car.
Last edited by shogunxp; May 21, 2010 at 11:07 AM.
I currently have both and yes you will enjoy a Z. They are pretty weak when stock but the aftermarket is great if your pockets are deep enough.
I'm thinking a sr20 240 would out perform a n/a Z any day thought.
Every time I jump in the Z after a week of 240, I get a real good feeling!!!
I'm thinking a sr20 240 would out perform a n/a Z any day thought.
Every time I jump in the Z after a week of 240, I get a real good feeling!!!
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