TO SKIP THE LONG PARAGRAPH/HISTORY...PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE END FOR MY QUESTION:


(This is just the background to the question I have to ask
Well...for the past 2 weeks, I've been contemplating on trading in my Z for a G35 coupe because of my lower back pain...and the more I started searching the G, the less I looked at the Z...I started looking at all the luxury features and I really wanted one...I started looking for one 2 weeks ago...but just recently, I started really noticing my Z again, and I remember why I chose the Z over the G in the first place...I love the way the Z looks...I thought about how whenever I go anywhere, I saw more Gs than Zs...and everytime I walked in a parking lot and saw a G, it didn't really make me wanna OOOOOH it like I did whenever I saw a Z (even if not mine)....then I realized that I really do not want the G...it was the luxury features that made me wanting the G, but not the looks....so now, I went from looking for a car to save my lower back to being in the car market again...but this time to find another Z...actually a ZR....oh man....I've always loved the ZR...I gone as far as comparing the looks of the ZR to that of the Ferrari 360 (move over Porsche)....and this is what I got...HAHAHAHAHA....(DON'T FLAME):








ANYWAYZ....Here's my question....what are the major differences between:
1. the 2004 Enthusiast ZR vs the 2004 Touring ZR
2. the 2005 Enthusiast ZR vs the 2005 Touring ZR vs the 2005 Grand Touring ZR

I kinda forgot from way back when...and now that I'm thinking about getting a ZR, I'm trying to decide on what to get? It seems like everything on cars.com or autotrader.com has leather and Bose in all trim...is that right? yet when I research the package options on cars.com, it says that Enthusiast doesn't come with leather and Bose...etc......I want a yellow ZR...but look at this one though...UGH!!!



It seems the prices for the ZR is WAY HIGH right now...almost as much as a brand new one....I guess topless season is coming egh???

And oh...If I have the money, I'd get that 360 Spider no questions asked....but since I'm ba baller on a budget, I have to settle...HAHAHAHA...(man, that sounded gay)

 

I need to stop looking at cars I can't afford...

 

Sounds to me like you ought to spend quality time at the Nissan website.

Enthusiast does not come with leather or Bose.

 

The ferrari comes with a hard dick.

 

that's what I thought when I bought my 04 Enthusiast hard top....now, did the 04 or 05 ZR Enthusiast come with 18 or 19" wheels? cuz I've seen a lot of them for sale with bose and leather, but have 17" wheels...

 

if your in2 serious racing, track use, go 4 the hardtop. looks better imo anyways. if your in2 the whole sunday cruise thing, get the zr

 

check this out as far as different z models go: www.nissanua.com ... lots of info on all models!

 

yah...but they don't have previous years' models....

 

1 Ferrari = 10 ZR !

 

lol equipment is preaty much the same... only difference is the engine and some minor cosmetics

 

I don't get it. You're looking at trading in your Z for a ZR? Because you have back pain from the Z??
What makes you think you won't have the same back pain in the ZR?

 

You do know that the G35 seats cause back aches too don't you? Ever taken a gander on the G35 forums? In fact, if I recall, it seems they report more issues than Z owners.

 

2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster Offers Dynamic Driving Experience Without the Top
Evoking the adrenaline-pumping spirit of the 350Z, Nissan today unveiled the much-anticipated 350Z Roadster, which continues to offer sports car lovers the Z® Coupe’s high performance excitement and dynamic driving experience, but with an open top. Featuring a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, the Z® Roadster is designed to transform from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

The 2003 350Z, which went on sale in August 2002, has quickly become one of the hottest selling vehicles in the automotive industry and the number one selling sports car – outselling Corvette and representing 35% of the segment. Cumulative Z® sales have exceeded 23,000.

"The Z® has always been Nissan’s halo car, representing the heart, soul and passion of the company," said Bill Kirrane, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division, Nissan North America, Inc. "The addition of the Z® Roadster further expresses Nissan’s commitment to offering bold, exciting, performance vehicles."

The Z® Roadster will be available in summer 2003.

Fully Automatic Top Operation

The Z® Roadster’s fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window, which helps provide clear visibility in adverse weather conditions. And, unlike other convertibles in class, the top stows compactly under a lightweight tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.

Activating the top is a simple process. Push the brake and hold the button (located to the left of the steering column) and the top opens and closes.

The top is released from or secured to the windshield header with a unique three-lock, single latch located directly above the middle windshield area. The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal, while also making the closing process easier. The Z® Roadster is the only convertible in its class to offer this type of latch system.

Designed for Comfortable, Quiet Top-Down Cruising

"One of the biggest drawbacks to top-down cruising is the considerable amount of wind noise and rattles associated with most convertible designs. With the Z® Roadster, a heavy emphasis was put on eliminating as much interior buffeting as possible, providing an unparalleled journey," said Kirrane.

During the design phase of the Z® Roadster, engineers devoted countless hours conducting wind tunnel tests. These tests allowed the engineers to adjust the Roadster’s design to route air flow to minimize interior noise and turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds.

A key component to minimizing interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats that directs wind out and over the cabin. Seatbelt fasteners were also added to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z® Roadster is expected to be among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

The FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, used on the 350Z Coupe, is adopted for use in the Z® Roadster. Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody, including; a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced rigidity.

Interior Suitable for a Roadster

Unique to all convertibles is the high visibility of the interior. Knowing this, the designers of the Z® Roadster put a heavy emphasis on the interior design of the car.

"When the top is down, the interior, in essence, becomes part of the exterior layout of the vehicle," said Kirrane. "We fused the two together to create one harmoniously visual design."

Since the heart and soul of the Z® is performance, the design, inside and out, needs to reflect that. Like the Z® Coupe, the instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as an optional navigation system with 7-inch display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

The driver’s seat of the Z® Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimizes pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large "wings," designed to help secure drivers during acceleration. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.

Also offered on the Z® Roadster are unique, Burnt Orange ventilated net seats*. The net-style seats are made with a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater is also available for those sundown rides.

Though the Z® Roadster is executed as a sports car, thorough attention has also been paid to storage capacity – storage designed for a convertible. A lockable luggage floor box capable of storing a briefcase and other storage places are standard. There is also sufficient luggage space in the trunk even though the top is stored in the trunk area when down. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.

Performance Worthy of Z® Status

The Z® Roadster shares all of the hardtop Z®’s key performance features. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine used in the Z® Coupe, producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, a power range that comes as a result of the engine’s intake port design and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving.

Drivability has been further improved for use in the Z® Coupe and Roadster by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive Z® Roadster is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.

Models and Options

The 2004 350Z Roadster will be offered in two well-equipped models – 350Z Roadster Enthusiast Model and 350Z Roadster Touring Model. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top, rear wind deflector, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and more.

The 350Z Roadster Touring Model adds a Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers, leather-appointed seats with heater and heated mirrors.

Side-impact supplemental air bags are available on both models, while a DVD-based navigation system and 18-inch alloy wheels are stand-alone options available for the Touring Model.

"The Z® Roadster was designed and engineered with the objective of making the best possible convertible sports car on the road," said Kirrane. "Attention to every little detail has been designed for the low interior noise, an easy, effortless latching system, high chassis rigidity, powerful driveline and head-turning looks to name a few. Objective met."

 

2005 Nissan 350Z Roadster - All Z®, No Top
The dynamic driving experience that for 35 years has been associated with the Z® comes equipped with a little less these days – it’s topless. First introduced as a 2004 model, the 350Z Roadster features a power-operated soft top with glass rear window, which transforms from top-up to top-down in about 20 seconds.

“The Z® Roadster offers a fresh look at the modern convertible, the styling is an updated take on the classic roadster, but the heart is all Z®,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Nissan Division. “The Z® Roadster further expresses Nissan’s commitment to offering bold, exciting, performance vehicles.”

New for 2005 is a 350Z Roadster Grand Touring Edition with 6-speed manual, which is scheduled to be available in late 2004. It comes equipped with Brembo® brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 18-inch aluminum–alloy wheels.

All 2005 350Z Roadster models receive a number of other enhancements, including standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), driver’s seat front and rear lifter (except for net seat design), reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models and downshift rev matching for automatic transmission models, heated outside mirrors and a faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system).

Also new for 2005 is an Ultra Yellow exterior color, which utilizes a new high-luminance and high-chroma pearl pigment and three layers of top coat (with separate color pigment and pearl pigment layers) to create an almost “liquid” surface appearance.


One-Touch Conversion

The Z® Roadster’s fully automatic soft top features a heated glass rear window, which helps provide clearer visibility in adverse weather conditions. And, unlike other convertibles in its class, the top stows compactly under a lightweight powered tonneau cover, completely hiding the top when down.

Activating the top is a simple process. Push the brake pedal and hold the button (located to the left of the steering column) and the top opens or closes.

The top is released from or secured to the windshield header with a unique three-lock, single latch located directly above the middle windshield area. The three-lock, single latch system was created to give a more secure seal, while also making the closing process easier. The Z® Roadster is the only convertible in its class to offer this type of latch system.

Quiet Cruising

The FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, used on the 350Z Coupe, is adopted for use in the Z® Roadster. Structural reinforcements were incorporated to strengthen the Z® Roadster unibody, including a center floor V-shaped cross bar connecting the side sills and a front A-shaped cross bar reinforcing the front end. Additional reinforcement was added at the door openings and a triple-member was added to the seating area connecting the sides to the floor structure to provide enhanced rigidity.

Also during the design phase of the Z® Roadster, engineers devoted countless hours conducting wind tunnel tests. These tests allowed the engineers to adjust the Roadster’s design to route air flow to help minimize interior noise and turbulence while maximizing downforce at highway speeds.

A key component to reducing interior noise is a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats that directs wind out and over the cabin. Seatbelt fasteners were also added to help keep seatbelts from flapping in the wind. As a result, the Z® Roadster is among the leading competitors for low interior noise with the top down.

Contemporary Styling, Inside and Out

Unique to all convertibles is the high visibility of the interior. Knowing this, the designers of the Z® Roadster put a heavy emphasis on the interior design of the car.

“The Z® Roadster incorporates a seamless flow between the exterior and interior of the vehicle,” said McNabb. “We fused the two together to create one harmoniously visual design.”

Since the heart and soul of the Z® is performance, the design, inside and out, needs to reflect that. Like the Z® Coupe, the instrument panel features three gauge pods consisting of the drive computer, oil pressure gauge and voltmeter, as well as modern touches such as an optional navigation system with 7-inch display. The door vents and center console have a solid, chiseled-from-a-block-of-aluminum look.

The driver’s seat of the Z® Roadster is tailored for performance. The base cushion is firm and long for additional support, while bolster cutouts under the thighs optimize pedal operation. The seatback is sculpted with large “wings,” designed to help secure drivers during acceleration. The upper side bolster is sculpted in the middle for easy shifting and steering, while the lower side bolster is designed wider and deeper to keep the driver squarely behind the wheel.

Also offered on the Z® Roadster are unique, Burnt Orange ventilated leather-trimmed net seats. The net-style seats are made with a woven seat cloth center insert and feature an opening in the seatback so that the driver can feel a wind flow during top-down driving. A built-in seat heater is also available for those sundown rides.

A lockable luggage box capable of storing a briefcase is standard. There is also sufficient luggage space in the trunk even though the top is stored in the trunk area when down. The trunk has up to 4.1 cubic feet of useable room for storage.


Performance Worthy of Z® Status

The Z® Roadster shares all of the hardtop Z®’s key performance features. Power is provided by the 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 engine used in the Z® Coupe, producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, a power range that comes as a result of the engine’s intake port design and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) technology. This enables the engine to deliver not only outstanding start-off acceleration and high-speed passing performance, but also torque characteristics suitable for city driving.

Drivability has been further improved for use in the Z® Coupe and Roadster by adopting an electronically controlled throttle, and the use of a highly rigid cylinder block combines with other measures to produce engine sounds worthy of a sports car.

Suspension for the rear-wheel drive Z® Roadster is a 4-wheel independent design. Both 6-speed close-ratio manual and 5-speed automatic transmissions are available.


Models and Options

The 2005 350Z Roadster will be offered in three well-equipped models – 350Z Roadster Enthusiast, 350Z Roadster Touring and 350Z Roadster Grand Touring. Standard 350Z Roadster Enthusiast features include power seats, power-operated soft top, electrically operated storage cover, rear wind deflector, 17-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a choice of 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and more.

The 350Z Roadster Touring model features a Bose® audio system with 6-disc CD changer and seven speakers, leather-appointed seats and standard side-impact air bags.

The 350Z Roadster Grand Touring model, which is available only with the 6-speed manual transmission, adds Brembo® brakes, Vehicle Dynamic Control and 18-inch wheels and tires. It is scheduled to be available in late 2004.

Only a few options are offered for the well-equipped 350Z Roadster. Side-impact supplemental air bags are available on the Enthusiast model and standard on the Touring and Grand Touring models, 18-inch alloy wheels are available for Enthusiast and Touring models, and ventilated leather-trimmed net seats are available for the Touring and Grand Touring models. The DVD-based navigation system is available on the Touring model only.

 

well...initially, I was gonna get a G-Coupe cuz the suspension was a little softer (= better for the back)....but as I looked, I realized how much more i love the Z...but I had already put myself in the car buying mode, so I decided I gotta get something...but, I still love the Z...so I sad F-it to my back, and decided that i want a ZR since I think it's hot looking with the top on AND off...I like the way it looks with the top kinda like an aggressive stance....and I like how the rear of the ZR is long and not short or seems like it cut off like the Solara or the S2000....