I don't know about the track, I don't like how the wheels still don't fill out the wheel wells... I would've gotten the Performance over the touring though... here's my breakdown

30,000 performance
-300 for a MP3 head unit
-600 for speakers
-700 for amps
-200 for a sub
-1000 for dealer two-tone leather

You pretty much end up saving about 1000 over the 34,000 price of a touring. That's the heated and power seats that you lose however... I don't mind giving those up. The touring stereo really is horrible though, and you'd have to tack on more money to the 34,000 MSRP to get that stereo fixed. So it's more like a 33,000 modified performance vs. a 36,000 (stereo modded) touring. It's more than the auto-eq and auto-volume issue. I think the BOSE stereo itself has horrible response even when you're listening to it with the car not moving (no change in interior noise volumes). The bass is boomy and the trebles aren't clear at all..
Just my opinion.. Of course, I went even more overboard, my car cost 39,000 @ MSRP before i tacked on tax (Lojack, fully loaded, and 5 year warranty).

 

For me the Enthusiast made the most sense. The only difference between the two is the VDC, which I didn't want anyway. Hell, I barely even want the TCS.

I wanted the Track at first, but after looking at what they wanted for lower end Brembo calipers (not even the full system) and Ray's wheels (18"s at that), I honestly kind of felt it was a ripoff.

I'll get the 19" wheels I want, the stereo I want, the brakes I want (Willwood), the leather seats I want, all for about the same price as the Track.

The Touring, for my needs at least, made no sense. I don't care about electric seats, have no need for heated ones, haven't heard a stock stereo yet that pleases my ears and certainly have no desire/need to own a navigation system. If I wanted that, I'd have bought the G35, not a 350z.

In retrospect, I kind of wish Nissan would have thought about the options packages before they put them together. Some border in redundantly useless.

 

Dude, VDC is the BEST. Seriously, on higher power RWD cars, VDC will save even the most experienced driver from spinning out in emergency maneuver situation (esp in the rain or foul weather). So many IS300 owners who didn't have it on their first year cars (and 2nd year manuals-on) have crashed their cars due to oversteering turning into spins and slides. And the IS only as 215HP too...

 

When I want the car to drive itself for me, I'll buy an Audi.

Until then, I'd prefer none of it. The extra difference in price between the Performance and Enthusiast did not warrant VDC (which I'd always have off anyway).

There's a lot to be said for sheer ability. I've owned a number of RWD cars and the vast majority of them (save one or two) were substantially more powerful than the 350Z.

And until three years ago I lived in New Orleans my whole life. Driving in rain is not even noticeable to me.

 

VDC doesn't drive the car by itself, it's a safety feature much like ABS and traction control are. They only kick in when you're close to the limit. You can turn it off as well...It's not there so much just for driving in the rain but rather for evasive or sudden maneuvers that may cause the car to spin or slide in bad weather or less than ideal traction-conditions. Of course you can drive slowly and more cautiously through rain, but having a spin control system is like having a safety barrier there for you just in case. VDC is especially important for snow areas, there's a video somewhere on the internet showing a BMW 3-series with and without spin control attempting a 25 mph curve in snow on snow tires and in the video with VDC OFF the car slides across off the road... Of course with the same curve, same speed, same tires, same car- with VDC on the car maneuevers through the curve effortlessly.

 

Thanks. I already knew what VDC is/was and for me, it's still a waste of money.

Still don't want it, don't think it's worth the money and certainly isn't worth a whole new package designation (Performance).

Funny you quoted the M3, another car I don't like lol. And it doesn't snow in Texas, so no problem there either.

ABS? Sure. TCS and VDC? Nah, that just takes the 'Sports' out of 'Sports Car' imo. Kind of a neutering.

 

So, for all of those of us who are waiting to taste the thing for the first time, this is good news. I can't wait...