Son of Mad Dog

iTrader: (1)

The 350 is pretty damn tight for me, as in i fit but if it got much smaller itll be miata sized.

right now im debating getting an 07 for really cheap or waiting on the 370z (and investing during the time being..)

the size thing, and the fact that the base doesnt have cruise control (wtf) are the two main factors...

280z/300zx

If one of your deciding factors on a sports car is that the base model doesn't come with cruise control then you got bigger issues than deciding between the 07 and the new gen Z. I'd say the majority of people never even use their cruise control and those that do use it on those rare long trips. Seriously if it's a big issue spend the extra 2k and move up to the enthusiast. Honestly I'd like a true base model in all sports cars where all this power BS is removed. I'm fine with crank windows, manual locks, manual mirrors, etc.

MR_X

iTrader: (5)

I use cruise control when I am driving in base were the speed limit of 35 mph is enforced pretty heavy.

taurran

iTrader: (18)

The 350z isn't that small. I believe the footprint is only slightly smaller than that of a corvette. I'd have to look up the stats to say for sure though.

in.the.dark

First, the shortened wheelbase doesn't neccessarily mean a smaller driver's compartment. They can take the length out of the backend. Notice on the profile of a 350Z that the rear wheels are still quite a bit behind the driver.

Second, the concern with the shorter wheelbase should be about proper suspension tuning to prevent the ride from being too choppy, a common criticism of the stock Z suspension (but not really the NISMO due to different low speed dampening characteristics).

Finally, as stated before, the Z isn't really that small in dimensions or weight. It's got a good height, but is still pretty long with it's rear overhang especially. That's why Nissan is changing the 370Z to be "stubbier" on the backside. The Miata got pretty big itself, but the 370Z should remain a bit larger, more like the Cayman/Boxter or Z4, and probably a little larger than those.

Son of Mad Dog

iTrader: (1)

kool

i have a 450 mile drive to from family that i intend to make pretty damn often since i live in the middle of NOWHERE for my job. hence why cruise is pretty important.

i agree on the just spend money to the next level...

the only thing for me is when your paying that much money and you can pay 10k less for a hyundai, mazda, ford or some other brand and get cruise.

yeah but the car is more awesome...

just how much lighter is the base?

dutchboy350Z

iTrader: (5)

Z wheelbase 104.3"

C6 Vette wheelbase 105.7"


Z Exterior length 169.4"
C6 Vette 174.6"

ZPirate

Yes I have both and there isn't that much difference in the wheelbase. The Vette is only five inches longer, but it seems much longer than the Z from the driver's seat. The Vette is also wider and has more interior space both in the passenger compartment and in the hatch area. The rear brace kills most of the useful room in the hatch area of the Z. Heck in the Vette you can store the top and still have room for other things.

In my opinion the Z's wheelbase is just about perfect if it could loose some weight and add some interior space. My biggest concern about a Z with a shorter wheelbase is the effect it has on the ride.

robertinmesa

i use cruise all the time, photo radars are everywhere these days.