davewes69

So Ive had my Z for about a week now and felt like sharing some of my observations. First the bad:

It's like driving a tank at nameplate defilade. I've never driven a car with worse sight lines.

Backing up? Yea. Not a good idea. Nearly gotten clipped twice backing into traffic.

Looking at something on the side of the road while driving? Yep. Not a good idea either. The car will go wherever you are looking.

Now for the good:

That engine note. The car sounds amazing.

Handling. Better handling than any car I've owned. Love it.

The looks. This car turns heads even if it is a 2003. Not many cars on the road as pretty as this one.

All in all, I'm wondering why the I didn't buy a Z a long time ago. Looking forward to modding it a bit and driving the hell out of it for the next three years.

As a random final observation, is it me or does the VQ put off a sh*t ton of heat?

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

Interesting observations. I don't think I have ever heard driving the Z compared to driving a tank. The only problem I have is looking out the back. The rear views are pretty limited. Any car will go where you are looking because when looking to the side you have a tendency to turn the steering wheel in that direction. I'm not sure that is a criticism that should only be directed toward the Z.

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

While I enjoy observations from any Z owner, the first week is more about YOU adapting to the car than anything else. The sightlines from most sportscars are hindered, but the Z is fine once you adapt and use all your mirrors. Try a current Camaro for a good comparison to a tank-like view. As for the heat generation, yes, the VQ is very efficient at shedding heat and producing all that HP and TQ!

terrasmak

iTrader: (8)

It's going to take me a while to get used to the lack of visibility after being away from my car.

LiVn_It_UP

iTrader: (1)

All that HP and TQ?? What model do yo have?

le mans sunsetz

Hmm interesting. Ive personally never had a problem when backing up or switching lanes. I do remember first driving the car home for 2 hours and I was thinking wow I feel like if I look away for a second I will be in the other lane, But after a month its fine you just have to adapt. just like any car. I remember watching top gear and they just ragged on the car saying its like an underpowered muscle car... Now my family owns A 2009 Mustang GT and a 2008 charger and I must say they are nothing alike at all. When driving the Z I feel everything feels tight and is super responsive and I love it. It feels like youre part of the car lol where as when I drive other cars they feel like Im driving a boat and almost surfing.

patrickoneal

I agree with the poor rearward visibility. I've got a roadster, and with the top up, you can't see a whole lot of anything backing up. With the top down, it's fine. I did install a Kenwood nav system and added a rearview license plate camera. That helps immensely when parallel parking, as does lowering the curbside mirror all the way to get a good view of the curb and the rear wheel(road rash sucks).

As for the car going where ever you look... it doesn't. It goes where ever you steer it. My first car was a 1989 Crown Vic, a tank of a car with tiny side mirrors. After getting into an accident in it, I decided that I would never trust a mirror again and always turn my head around just prior to changing lanes. At first, I would pull the wheel as I turned my head, but quickly got good at it. It's something every driver should be doing anyway, especially if you're driving a new or different vehicle and you don't know the blindspots.

clubhopper

iTrader: (6)

Not digging the sight lines? Try driving a Camaro.

jonny992

when parking always back in so u don't have to back out. that's what I do. because its safer. unless im in a rush to pee. also blind spots take a week or two to get use to but now I drive fine. the back is actually really small. so looking at your side mirrors and the window is enuf. I do that n never cut people off now unless im purposely doing it to switch into lane.

also an unwritten rule.
1. if a g35 or 350z is beside u at stop light. 100 % race time.
2. if a g35/g37/350z/370z/anyZ tryna switch lanes u always let them pass.

darkgt

iTrader: (4)

haha the unwritten rules also always park beside each other. Just got mine and the bro tier of these cars and owners is the best I have experienced so far.

Spike100

I agree that backing out of a parking spot into traffic is difficult because of the poor rear/side view (the roofline blocks vision).

To see better out of the rearview mirror while driving, tip the mirror so that you see almost half of the headliner in the mirror. That provides a better angle and allows you to see a lot farther behind the car.

Z Diablo

I have a roadster as well and damn it was hard to get use to barely using your rear-view mirror lol.

adamgfn

iTrader: (3)

I'm Asian. So my squinty eyes better enabled me to become accustomed to the squinty, small rear windshield.

VO...

iTrader: (25)

davewes69

Lol, thanks for the inputs guys. Loving this car so far. I literally find excuses to drive now just soI can get behind the wheel.

Dekker001

Yah, my wife is going to need surgery from rolling her eyes at all the dumb reasons I have come up with to go for a drive....

le mans sunsetz

Firebase99

You think the 350 visibility is bad? The 370 takes it up a few notches and then some. You are LITERALLY blind (im not kidding) out drivers side rear.

SQuaLZ

Could not agree with you more!

I went to drive my buddy's Camaro SS, went down the block, turned around, and gave it right back to him. I felt SO uncomfortable in the car. I could not see anything and I actually felt nervous driving.

Yes, you will get used to it. Did not take me long at all, as a matter of fact I think it took me longer to actually get comfortable with the clutch rather than the sight.

If the mirrors are aimed correctly, than you should have no problem. I think this is the biggest problem, as MOST people have their mirrors aimed incorrectly.

My only gripe with the view is that cars behind you look closer than they actually are. I always feel like somebody is tailgating me. Hey, maybe it's true since I live in NY!

PerfZ

iTrader: (3)

I had limo tint installed on the rear hatch and quarter windows - can't see out of them anyway lol.