I have found myself with 2 touring roadsters, a 2004 and a 2006. The intention was to sell the 2004 when I purchased the 2006 for my wife, you take such a beating on a trade. But the difference between the two cars is unbelievable. The 2006 with 18k miles and the 2004 with 58k miles. To me, if comparing to motorcycles, the 2006 would be a Goldwing, and the 2004 a Ninja. The 2004 has a heavy clutch and heavy steering, the 2006 has a very light steering and clutch. I find the 2004 to be a superior driving car, requires no thought to drive, wherever your wrist is, that where the car is, the 2006 seems to be over powered in it's steering and light clutch. So I'm probably going to keep the 2004 and have his and hers Z's. Just wondering if I am the only one to have had this experience in the model years. Thanks for you thoughts.

 

I just purchased my 2006 roadster last week. I am new to driving a manual transmission and found the 2006 much easier to drive than the 2004. I agree the 2004 clutch seemed heavy which is why I didn't like it. It was really hard for me to feel the engagement point. I'm a chick, so I guess that fits with the 2006 = your wife's Z

 

Welcome lady Zer!

 

Hi Zxtremist, I have a 2004 touring trim roadster. I bought it new in the summer of 2003 and it’s been my faithful, trouble free daily driver ever since. I’ve had the opportunity to drive a couple of 06 Zs (coupes) and don’t find the differences that profound. (Much greater revisions came in 07).

All Zs have a higher than normal clutch engagement point. When people first drive my car they’re a little clumsy with the clutch, but after an hour or so they all adapt and have no trouble being smooth. The 06s went from the conventional external clutch slave cylinder, to a more built in style giving a softer feel to the clutch pedal. I feel the difference when first switching cars, but after a short while it disappears. Both systems get the job done in the same manner.

The 04s do have a slightly stiffer spring rate. This might provide a tiny bit better skidpan number, whereas the revised softer spring rate might afford a minuscule bit of extra traction on a rough road. People who regularly track these cars tell me that the lap times pretty much come out the same.

 

Get the '05 Roadster!! lol heavy steering but lighter clutch (they lightened it for this year). it's the best of both world!!!

 

I learn so much from this site. Now Im double glad I got the 04. If my Roadster was a daily driver I would want the 06+ however.

 

Thank you for all your thoughts, now I understand whats going. didn't realize how many changes have been made between the model years. A mention by "jennifer2", was that dramatic changes were made in 07, can anyone elaborate on what took place on that and newer models?

 

Does anyone know if it is possible to "turn down" the power of the steering on the 06?

 

WUT?!?!?!

 

The 06s have speed sensitive steering. It was new that year. You can't turn it down.

 

I have an 06 Roadster and 03 coupe. The 06 seems lighter but quicker than the heavier steering feel coupe. Now roadster clutch is modded so stiffness about the same or a little heavier in roadster.