just wanted to comment
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just wanted to comment
Well here is the story guys. I am in the market for a car, and basicly its between 2 cars. The Nissan 350z, and the S2000. I went to my local nissan dealership to see the 350z. They had one, and i loved it!!! I have been a fan of the s2000 for over 2 years, and i have been waiting to get one, and i finally can, but with this new z, i am having a problem deciding. What can you guys say to help me decide. I dont really care about the convertable (although it is nice), and actually i would rather have a 350z coupe than a 350z convertable (unless its a hardtop convertable). But theres one thing that i heard that i wanted to ask. The 350z weighs alot! So i heard that this will make the handling alot worse than an s2000 and that because of that, and s2000 will kill a 350z at the track. Well, whatever you guys have to say, please do.
Oh one more thing, i am having a problem deciding wheather i sould get the lemans sunset, or the blue, HELP!!!
Oh one more thing, i am having a problem deciding wheather i sould get the lemans sunset, or the blue, HELP!!!
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From: Simi Valley, CA
reggi: The higher weight of the Z is offset by the fact that you can run much wider tires than an S2000 can.
idiots: While I am on the topic...................A lot of people complain about the weight (WHINY VOICE) "oh the Z is too heavy, the Z weighs so much more than my S2000." The HEAVIEST Z IS ONLY 400LBS HEAVIER THAN AN S2000. THE MOTHERF^%&IN TOYOTA MR-S WEIGHS 2200LBS. WHY IS THAT??????? THE ONLY DIFFERENCE PHYSICALLY BETWEEN AN S2K AND A MR-S IS A GOD DA^&N DRIVESHAFT. FR and MR
THE S2000 IS THE TANK
THE Z is comparable in weight to all other FR sports cars/coupes, even more so consider the price tag.
Reggi this wasnt aimed at you!! You asked a valid question. I just needed to vent and make some points know that never seem to be brought up!!!!
idiots: While I am on the topic...................A lot of people complain about the weight (WHINY VOICE) "oh the Z is too heavy, the Z weighs so much more than my S2000." The HEAVIEST Z IS ONLY 400LBS HEAVIER THAN AN S2000. THE MOTHERF^%&IN TOYOTA MR-S WEIGHS 2200LBS. WHY IS THAT??????? THE ONLY DIFFERENCE PHYSICALLY BETWEEN AN S2K AND A MR-S IS A GOD DA^&N DRIVESHAFT. FR and MR
THE S2000 IS THE TANK
THE Z is comparable in weight to all other FR sports cars/coupes, even more so consider the price tag.
Reggi this wasnt aimed at you!! You asked a valid question. I just needed to vent and make some points know that never seem to be brought up!!!!
Last edited by tbcz; Sep 15, 2002 at 03:19 AM.
I have never been in an S2000, so there are probably people here who can comment on these points better, but I have heard that the s2000 is cramped for taller people. Also, most people would consider the Z a nicer daily driver becuase of the smooth torque curve that starts really low (try driving the s2000 in 3rd at 20 mph).
I think it would dependend on the "track" you are talking about. The s2000 is killer on very tight autocross type tracks, but so is the MRS and the miata. Will the 350Z be better on a tight track, don't know, no one has competed yet. Its going to take a few sessions to really feel out the limits of the car, so we may have to wait a few months for a good comparison. If I had to bet money right now, I would lean towards the S2000, but not by much.
For a larger "actual" track where the speeds are higher and the turns aren't all tight the Z should have an advantage because of its torque. Again it will take a little time for real world comparisons to appear but my money would go towards the Z in this instance.
Either of these cars will be a hoot on the track, but since 99.9% of either of these cars will see more road driving that track time, that should be a bigger factor in the decision. I for one didn't fit comfortably in the S2000. I also didn't like having to rev the hell out of it to get really good performance. I already did the convertable thing once and got that out of my system (everyone should have at leaset on convertable in their lives), so for me the choice was easy.
For a larger "actual" track where the speeds are higher and the turns aren't all tight the Z should have an advantage because of its torque. Again it will take a little time for real world comparisons to appear but my money would go towards the Z in this instance.
Either of these cars will be a hoot on the track, but since 99.9% of either of these cars will see more road driving that track time, that should be a bigger factor in the decision. I for one didn't fit comfortably in the S2000. I also didn't like having to rev the hell out of it to get really good performance. I already did the convertable thing once and got that out of my system (everyone should have at leaset on convertable in their lives), so for me the choice was easy.
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This whole thing about weight means absolute jack unless you intend on actually driving your car on a roadcourse.
And even still, there are cars out there that are heavier than the 350z and capable of cranking out good track times (i.e. 911 Turbo, Viper, even f-bodies and Mustangs). A car's potential is only as good as the driver behind the wheel.
Whatever car you decide on getting, I really recommend attending at least one driving event/school. I went to my first one this past weekend and I am hooked. I plan on attending many more events as my income permits.
If you already do attend driving events/school, then my sincerest apologies.
Michael.
And even still, there are cars out there that are heavier than the 350z and capable of cranking out good track times (i.e. 911 Turbo, Viper, even f-bodies and Mustangs). A car's potential is only as good as the driver behind the wheel.
Whatever car you decide on getting, I really recommend attending at least one driving event/school. I went to my first one this past weekend and I am hooked. I plan on attending many more events as my income permits.
If you already do attend driving events/school, then my sincerest apologies.
Michael.
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally posted by Michael-Dallas
This whole thing about weight means absolute jack unless you intend on actually driving your car on a roadcourse.
And even still, there are cars out there that are heavier than the 350z and capable of cranking out good track times (i.e. 911 Turbo, Viper, even f-bodies and Mustangs). A car's potential is only as good as the driver behind the wheel.
Whatever car you decide on getting, I really recommend attending at least one driving event/school. I went to my first one this past weekend and I am hooked. I plan on attending many more events as my income permits.
If you already do attend driving events/school, then my sincerest apologies.
Michael.
This whole thing about weight means absolute jack unless you intend on actually driving your car on a roadcourse.
And even still, there are cars out there that are heavier than the 350z and capable of cranking out good track times (i.e. 911 Turbo, Viper, even f-bodies and Mustangs). A car's potential is only as good as the driver behind the wheel.
Whatever car you decide on getting, I really recommend attending at least one driving event/school. I went to my first one this past weekend and I am hooked. I plan on attending many more events as my income permits.
If you already do attend driving events/school, then my sincerest apologies.
Michael.
PISSED at TROLLS + BOILING ANGER about terrorists + hungry as shiz = 1 NOT SO NICE wiley
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From: Raleigh, NC
Why don't you tell us how you really feel, Wiley?
reggi, the board has been flooded lately with S2000 trolls making some inflammatory statements and generally antagonizing. Truth be told, one of the worst things they do is find a million different ways to say "I'm driving my dream car and you can't get yours yet! Nyah nyah!" which really brings out the worst in a generally good bunch of folks who are near the end of a long, agonizing wait. It may not be deliberate, but the S2K'ers seem to frequently make statements like "How can you make that statement, I bet you don't even own a 350Z!" which really tends to light a fire under a guy who has been agonizing over this car for months, rabidly absorbing every description and statistic.
You may have gotten caught in the fallout from that.
Anyway, from all indications, the cars will be very close performance-wise on the track and on the street, each with strengths and weaknesses that will make the competition interesting. I also seriously considered the S2000 but have decided on a Z.
Like you, I'm not a major fan of the ragtop. I don't have more than a test-drive in the S2000, but ragtops in general are noisier and eventually wear out and they don't insulate in the heat or the cold. I would definitely want the hard-top add-on for the deep summer and winter, but you have to store it when it's not on the car and it takes two people to get it on or off.
Honda also wants $4,000 for the hardtop on top of a $32,000 sticker and last time I checked (a month or two ago) they weren't bargaining. For $36,000 you can get the most expensive 350Z. With the Z you can also choose your mixture of features, whether you want more comfort or more sportiness or to trade in some features for less cost. With the S2000 AFAIK the only choice you get is one of about 5 color combinations.
And then, the clincher for me is how do I want to drive? Yes, the S2000 is close to the 350Z in performance, but in order to get that performance out of it you have to drive it like you hate it; *****-to-the-wall, intense driving. That can be fun, but this will be my daily driver and I don't want to have to thrash it all the time. In the 350Z, from all reports, at virtually any speed you can choose from among 3 gears and have excellent torque in any one of them. (I haven't been lucky enough to drive one but I have riddin in one for a couple of hours of twisty roads)
So, anyway, there's my educated opinion; hopefully it does what you asked and helps you make up your mind. It was a little biased, I'll admit, but opinions generally are!
reggi, the board has been flooded lately with S2000 trolls making some inflammatory statements and generally antagonizing. Truth be told, one of the worst things they do is find a million different ways to say "I'm driving my dream car and you can't get yours yet! Nyah nyah!" which really brings out the worst in a generally good bunch of folks who are near the end of a long, agonizing wait. It may not be deliberate, but the S2K'ers seem to frequently make statements like "How can you make that statement, I bet you don't even own a 350Z!" which really tends to light a fire under a guy who has been agonizing over this car for months, rabidly absorbing every description and statistic.
You may have gotten caught in the fallout from that.
Anyway, from all indications, the cars will be very close performance-wise on the track and on the street, each with strengths and weaknesses that will make the competition interesting. I also seriously considered the S2000 but have decided on a Z.
Like you, I'm not a major fan of the ragtop. I don't have more than a test-drive in the S2000, but ragtops in general are noisier and eventually wear out and they don't insulate in the heat or the cold. I would definitely want the hard-top add-on for the deep summer and winter, but you have to store it when it's not on the car and it takes two people to get it on or off.
Honda also wants $4,000 for the hardtop on top of a $32,000 sticker and last time I checked (a month or two ago) they weren't bargaining. For $36,000 you can get the most expensive 350Z. With the Z you can also choose your mixture of features, whether you want more comfort or more sportiness or to trade in some features for less cost. With the S2000 AFAIK the only choice you get is one of about 5 color combinations.
And then, the clincher for me is how do I want to drive? Yes, the S2000 is close to the 350Z in performance, but in order to get that performance out of it you have to drive it like you hate it; *****-to-the-wall, intense driving. That can be fun, but this will be my daily driver and I don't want to have to thrash it all the time. In the 350Z, from all reports, at virtually any speed you can choose from among 3 gears and have excellent torque in any one of them. (I haven't been lucky enough to drive one but I have riddin in one for a couple of hours of twisty roads)
So, anyway, there's my educated opinion; hopefully it does what you asked and helps you make up your mind. It was a little biased, I'll admit, but opinions generally are!
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From: Wisconsin
Reggi,
In case you haven't committed yet...couple more words of encouragement for the Z: I haven't driven the Z yet (hasn't come in) but did drive the S2000. I have to say it was extreemly fun, and handled very well even at high speeds on a poorly paved road...."felt" heavier than I expected and maintained excellent response BUT...I felt like I was back on my sport bike! My bike puts out nearly as much hp at low rpm and I felt like the motor (although smooth) was about to explode when I finally reached the rpms necessary to really push the car. The Z puts out better torque numbers than the M3 and THAT was a REALLY fun car to drive. Personally I'll take the torque AND hp all in one package and I won't have to worry about people talking about me behind my back saying how they saw me driving a "chic's" car!
In case you haven't committed yet...couple more words of encouragement for the Z: I haven't driven the Z yet (hasn't come in) but did drive the S2000. I have to say it was extreemly fun, and handled very well even at high speeds on a poorly paved road...."felt" heavier than I expected and maintained excellent response BUT...I felt like I was back on my sport bike! My bike puts out nearly as much hp at low rpm and I felt like the motor (although smooth) was about to explode when I finally reached the rpms necessary to really push the car. The Z puts out better torque numbers than the M3 and THAT was a REALLY fun car to drive. Personally I'll take the torque AND hp all in one package and I won't have to worry about people talking about me behind my back saying how they saw me driving a "chic's" car!
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From: Santa Cruz, CA
The two cars I was considering were the S2000 and Z, and I've picked the Z.
Here's a quick rundown why, but it pretty much mirrors most of the posts above:
S2000 +
1. Slightly lighter in weight. Not much but every bit counts
2. More readily available.
Z +
1. More low end. While I like the S2000 engine, I don't like the screaming high rev's, which is where you need to be to get the power. I'll always feel as if I'm beating on the engine, which takes a bit away from the driving pleasure.
2. Style. The S2000 looks great, but I like the Z even better
3. Hard Top. Even though I live in California, where the summers are cool and the winters are warm, I still don't like the convertible for the daily driver (mainly theft and maintenance concerns).
4. Ability to fit fatty tires. The Z can fit massive tires that will pretty much nullify the drawback of its slightly higher weight.
I drove the S2000 and fit fine (5' 11'). The owner is about 6' 1' but barely fits, so if you are much taller than that you will really want to test the seats and driving position.
Either car will be a blast to drive, so in the end it just comes down to what you like.
I've seen the blue in person, and it is fantastic. Never seen the sunset though (except in pictures) so I don't know for sure how it will look. IMO, it will definitely stand out more, so if you are looking for an eye catching ride, the sunset is the way to go!
-D'oh!
Here's a quick rundown why, but it pretty much mirrors most of the posts above:
S2000 +
1. Slightly lighter in weight. Not much but every bit counts
2. More readily available.
Z +
1. More low end. While I like the S2000 engine, I don't like the screaming high rev's, which is where you need to be to get the power. I'll always feel as if I'm beating on the engine, which takes a bit away from the driving pleasure.
2. Style. The S2000 looks great, but I like the Z even better
3. Hard Top. Even though I live in California, where the summers are cool and the winters are warm, I still don't like the convertible for the daily driver (mainly theft and maintenance concerns).
4. Ability to fit fatty tires. The Z can fit massive tires that will pretty much nullify the drawback of its slightly higher weight.
I drove the S2000 and fit fine (5' 11'). The owner is about 6' 1' but barely fits, so if you are much taller than that you will really want to test the seats and driving position.
Either car will be a blast to drive, so in the end it just comes down to what you like.
I've seen the blue in person, and it is fantastic. Never seen the sunset though (except in pictures) so I don't know for sure how it will look. IMO, it will definitely stand out more, so if you are looking for an eye catching ride, the sunset is the way to go!
-D'oh!
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I also shortlisted S2000 and the Z but went for S2000 as it was available and it is a convertible.(BTW..NO FLAMES PLEASE)
As far as my owning experience goes, high revs made me slightly uncomfortable initially but now I love it. My other car is 540 so I do know what torque is but I don't miss that.
I love the way Z looks and how it is spec'ed. But have no regrets with S2000.
My suggestion will be to do a test drive of both(if possible...) and then decide. Nobody else can share with you and give you right answer about the question you posed.
As far as my owning experience goes, high revs made me slightly uncomfortable initially but now I love it. My other car is 540 so I do know what torque is but I don't miss that.
I love the way Z looks and how it is spec'ed. But have no regrets with S2000.
My suggestion will be to do a test drive of both(if possible...) and then decide. Nobody else can share with you and give you right answer about the question you posed.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Originally posted by ___DJK___
haha, i love how every thread somehow manages to turn into a 350z vs S2000 battle.
haha, i love how every thread somehow manages to turn into a 350z vs S2000 battle.
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From: Ohio
My suggestion is to wait a while. Speculation can be fun and entertaining, but I wouldn't base a car purchase solely off anticipated performance. I'm sure we'll see track comparisons, handling comparisons, and everyday driving comparisons between the two from reputable auto resources shortly. We'll start seeing a lot more track numbers show up when members break in their cars as well.
My decision is simpler. I hate the look of the s2k. I love the look of the 350z. I've never owned a car with power below 5k rpms and I hate high revving. So if I get a car in the 25-35k range, it will be the Z.
On a side note, my fiance is pushing me to save my money and buy a porsche 911 turbo in 10 years or so. Damn, I love my girl!
My decision is simpler. I hate the look of the s2k. I love the look of the 350z. I've never owned a car with power below 5k rpms and I hate high revving. So if I get a car in the 25-35k range, it will be the Z.
On a side note, my fiance is pushing me to save my money and buy a porsche 911 turbo in 10 years or so. Damn, I love my girl!
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From: upstate ny
Both cars are fun, made well, and offer excellent bang for buck factor. My father and sister both have S2000 cars, and my friend just took delivery on his Z. Mine is a week or two off.
You will not make a mistake buying either car. The short shifters, engine sounds, and handling make the driving experiences in both cars a joy.
The performance stats on the two cars are also so close, the difference is negligble for the average enthusiast driver.
You will not make a mistake buying either car. The short shifters, engine sounds, and handling make the driving experiences in both cars a joy.
The performance stats on the two cars are also so close, the difference is negligble for the average enthusiast driver.
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From: dc metro
weight
if you never driven an S2000 long term and buy the 350Z i dont think you will notice the weight of the Z affecting performance and driving experience
but if you have driven the s2000 long term, then any car over 3000 lbs will feel like a pig. heh.
I have a 3000 lbs M coupe and when i drive that car for a week and then hop back into my s2k. the s2k feels so much lighter, responsive to driving inputs etc etc.. night and day difference..
light cars are very fun to drive.
but if you have driven the s2000 long term, then any car over 3000 lbs will feel like a pig. heh.
I have a 3000 lbs M coupe and when i drive that car for a week and then hop back into my s2k. the s2k feels so much lighter, responsive to driving inputs etc etc.. night and day difference..
light cars are very fun to drive.
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From: MI
I like them both
Up till about a month ago I didn't even think I could fit in a s2000
6'2" 200 plus pounds. But in my anguish of waiting for the z I decided to take a used s2000 for a test drive.
I was surprised that there was plenty of head room "convertible top" even more than the Z with the seat all the way back.
Also the leg room seemed comparable. What I really liked about the 2000 was the the interior every bit is utilized not one inch of wasted space. If I had taken this car for a spin earlier this year I would definitely bought one. However, since I have my Z ordered and have waited this long I will go ahead and get it hopefully in 2-4 weeks.
I think the Z is a much better "all around sports car" most of that is already indicated in the earlier post. It's quiter, smoother for touring and safer. Handling will probably be as good as the s2000.
I think the s2000 is way to noisy and high reving for any serious long distance driving. But, it would be great to take out for serious playing. And even though I'm not a convertible type guy you'll still have to love it because it's the most affordable fast roadster on the market.
I plan on buying a new s2000 next year, hopefully they will make a few serious changes for the 2004 lineup. They didn't change hardly anything for 2003.
6'2" 200 plus pounds. But in my anguish of waiting for the z I decided to take a used s2000 for a test drive.
I was surprised that there was plenty of head room "convertible top" even more than the Z with the seat all the way back.
Also the leg room seemed comparable. What I really liked about the 2000 was the the interior every bit is utilized not one inch of wasted space. If I had taken this car for a spin earlier this year I would definitely bought one. However, since I have my Z ordered and have waited this long I will go ahead and get it hopefully in 2-4 weeks.
I think the Z is a much better "all around sports car" most of that is already indicated in the earlier post. It's quiter, smoother for touring and safer. Handling will probably be as good as the s2000.
I think the s2000 is way to noisy and high reving for any serious long distance driving. But, it would be great to take out for serious playing. And even though I'm not a convertible type guy you'll still have to love it because it's the most affordable fast roadster on the market.
I plan on buying a new s2000 next year, hopefully they will make a few serious changes for the 2004 lineup. They didn't change hardly anything for 2003.
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