hi:
im new here! im just wondering how much slower roadster is comparet o coupe? any #s of comparison?

 

according to R&T's road test summary, its .1 faster to 60 than the track model they tested.

 

The substantial increased weight should have a marked effect on acceleration.

 

how is this possible?
considering the increase in weight

 

because R&t is ghey.

 

The gearing is different on the roadster to make up for the added structural members. It is as fast or faster than the coupe.

 

I half-heartedly (no 2k clutch drop) raced a roadster after our Simi Valley meet through 2 gears only. The roadsters front was at my door or rear wheels throughout. And, this is with me having probably 15-20 hp in additional modifications. The roadster was very capable both in the straightline race and in the twisties as I followed behind.

 

I heard that the roadster runs to 60 .3 sec. slower than the coupe. (5.8) seconds

 

Red Herring is such an appropriate name for this post.

 

All together now:

"It's a drivers race".

 

Cannibalism sucks.

 

I always thought they chewed....

 

why is roadster heavier?
becuz of the mechanism to unload the top?

seems like having a metal roof should be heavier!

 

Chopping the roof results in a decrease in torsional rigidity that must be overcome by supplementing the chassis underneath...i.e. the roof on the coupe is actually a "load-bearing" structure....

When you go topless you have to make the chassis stiffer underneath....even 911 cabriolets are heavier than coupes...

The Z has a big brace (heavy) underneath to make up for this loss...

Or at least that's my understanding...

And, Oh yeah....Rock On!

 

ioh i see now
which one have better handling then?

 

coupe....because its lighter...by over 200lbs I believe.

 

with all the bracing under the car and no metal roof on top, i would expect that the roadster has a lower center of gravity making it handle better. no data to back up my theory, just makes sense to me though.

 

Yeah.... but the extra weight makes you adjust the way you enter an Apex...I would also imagine that with the added weight comes more body roll.

 

The roadster is a completely different animal than the coupe. I traded in a 2003 touring coupe for this roadster. The difference is night and day.

Some differences could just be 2003 vs 2004 models.

Roadster shifts smoother, motor runs smoother. Suspension is smoother.

The gearing is different. The coupe is easy to redline and hit the rev limiter in first gear, I did it so many times, I was starting to worry that Nissan would find out through the computer and not warranty the motor. The roadster does not have this problem, you go further on first gear.

The seats are more comfortable. I know that they are suppost to be the same but, even my wife agrees there seems to be something about them that is different (maybe more padding).

My major dissapointment is the lack of VDC on the roadster. I loved this feature in my coupe. The butt end of my roadster looses traction quite easily.

I can feel a difference in the weight of the car, but it has a more solid feel.

These are the differences that I have noticed.

 

Since I have not owned a coupe, all I can say is that I love the convertible.

<complain>

One problem I have had is the top squeeking. It may be related to the top sealant that I used: RaggTopp. If you dab just a little wd40 on the drivers side end of the crossmember that runs just above your head it goes away for a week. I think it is when that end rubs against the top of the window frame beam that it rests against.

I was disappointed that I didn't get VDC with the 6spd. and the tire pressure sensors are missing. I changed wheels anyway.

</complain>

But I am very happy with the car in general. It's a blast so far.
By far the coolest car I have ever owned.

RH