Can anyone tell me what the differences between the Touring and Enthusiast Roadster models are? The web site and pamplets are conflicting. Here is what I think I understand...

Neither come with VDC.
Neither come with 18" wheels.
Touring comes with leather.
Touring comes with side air bags (not positive on this one. Only with vented seats???)
Touring has upgraded Blose stereo
18" wheels are an option on both versions. (Pressure sensors anyone???)

If anyone has either version and could clear up these details, it
would be greatly apreciated!!

Other than leather, I see no reason to get the Touring for $2000+ extra dollars. For $800 I can get the cloth seats covered in leather via aftermarket.

I own a touring coupe so I know the Blose system sucks. That is obviously not an incentive to get the touring.

Thanks to anyone that can shed some light on the subject!

 

I believe the touring adds:

Leather seats
Heated seats (nice here in CT)
7 Speaker "premium" blose stereo
Heated side mirrors
Side curtain air bags
Availability of orange mesh seats
50 more horsepower <just kidding>

To me the touring was worth the upgrade for several reasons. I wanted the heated leather seats and the side air bags. I also knew that if I got cloth seats I would probably never get around to having them re-covered.

I am very glad to be getting the side airbags now that I have seen how close the driver's head is to the metal top mechanism.

As for the stereo, we will see. Some people say the 2004 is better. That would not shock me considering the number of compaints Nissan and Bose have gotten over the 2003 radio. If Blose didn;t improve it they might have been at risk with Nissan.

I think the 18 inch wheel option is only available on the touring model, although the dealer can probably hook you up on the enthusiast if you complain.

 

The basic differences are:

Bose 7-speaker system (if you're gonna mod the sounds no need for it)

Side Airbags (well worth considering)

Heated side mirrors (I can live without)

Leather/mesh/heated seats (I was torn between the two models until I saw the cloth seats. When I heard the word "cloth" I was expecting something nasty and "plush-like." The cloth seats are actually pretty sweet and the "all black" looks clean on a silverstone. I'm also in SoCal so I prettty much never need heated seats and drive with the top down 12-months a year. The cloth seats were actually a preference for me because I won't have to worry AS MUCH about sun damage when the top's down)

18" wheels are an option on the Enthusiast as well but it didn't matter to me either way as I was planning to buy 19" Zigens or RH wheels anyway.

For me...by opting for the Enthusiast model I was able to convince the wife to let me get Exhaust, Intake, Grounding, etc. right off the bat...

She said I'll have to wait till X-mas for my wheels...

Bummer

 

I live in Houston so heated anything is not very useful ;-)

Side airbags are not good for me since I have to deactivate them every time my son rides in the car.

Blose is Blose. It will be the FIRST thing removed.

Leather is about the only difference for me. If it came with VDC I might consider it.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

 

Both are nice; touring is just a bit more plush. Enthusiast is a good value. It's whatever you want and can afford. srm

 

Hey that "can" is a hefty 3500+ lbs. From other unfortunate coupe accidents I have read about, it is a VERY safe car. Probably why it is so heavy (all the extra bracing).

I hear ya on the value of the Enthusiast. Who really needs heated leather? Figuring you need to sit in the freezing car while it warms up anyway. It is pointless unless you just want a warm massage while the over-bassed BLOSE sub cranks. Can always have custom Katzkin's installed for ~$800 if you hate the cloth.

 

I have had convertables for the past 10 years (2). They each had light grey leather seats. They do not get hot in the sun, nor have they been damaged by the sun.
Does VDC come with the touring edition. It is listed as standard equiptment on the web site, and it is listed as coupe only in the 350z brocure.
rich
'03 FX 45 w/tech, Black/Brick
'96 911 C4 Cab, Iris Blue/Marble/Marble
'04 350ZR Touring, Silver/Frost/Blue, NAV, 18's on the way

 

Nope, not VDC in the touring roadster...

Warren

 

That's good to know. I might consider an aftermarket leather at some time in the future. Thanks.

srm

 

Not all colors are available in the Enthusiast.