I heard on a variety of threads that the '07 has a "softer" suspension.

How much softer is it than previous models? Has the excellent handling that we've come to expect from the Z been affected? Does it not have that sports car feel anymore...and would it now be comparable to a G35's ride quality?

One of the main reasons I have been targeting the Z over the G is that it has that trues sports car feel ---Now with the soft suspension and light clutch are you getting the same 'ol Z feel???

 

I'm guessing it feels more sluggish or "softer" because of the added weight compare to the older generation. Just like how i feel the 06 was feels sluggish compare to the 03-05.

 

thanks mike.

I was hoping to get a greater response from '07 owners.

 

come on 07 Z owners...where you at?

 

My experience is with a '03 Z and my new '07 Z (Enthusiast 6mt). The suspension is a lot different. The '03 made you feel every bump and bit of gravel on the highway (I acutally like that road feel in a sports car). I only have a few hundred miles on the '07, but there is a noticeable difference. It feels better on long rides. I still feel the road (Yea!), but the bumps and gravel feels smoothed out! Really, its still a sports car road feel, just a little less jarring! I do prefer the '07!

 

06-07 suspensions have a more refined ride. It interior is damped better also. The only thing I don't like is the steering as opposed to my 04. The 06 feels light and the 04 felt nice and heavy..

 

Also comparing a 2003 (early) with my 2007 (just had it a few days). My 2003 had a pretty jarring ride, more road noise, and a bit of bouncing on certain roadways. The clutch was very stiff and the steering was pretty heavy.

In comparison the 2007 (mine is a GT) has a more controlled ride, still stiff but much less bounce. I believe it corners flatter (stock). I think part of the "softer feel" comes from more sound insulation (probably explains some of the weight gain), and perhaps less noisy tires. I am enjoying the 2007 much more at this early stage. I modified my 2003 suspension shortly after I got it because of the ride. I will keep the 07 stock until I have had a bit more time behind the wheel. Bear in mind my 03 had the NISMO wheels, so tire width was not so much of an issue in comparison with my GT.

The 2007 steering is lighter than the 2003. I have sort of a biased look at this though because I am coming from a GTO where the steering was numb. I really like the 07 it firms up nicely at speed, but I also enjoyed the firmer 03 steering feel. The 07 also has a MUCH lighter clutch. I dont think this is a bad thing, and it will likely tighten up a bit with time. Clutches are something you get used to over a few weeks, and then any other clutch wil feel strange .

Overall I am very happy with the 2007 suspension. Sort of how I imagined a Z should be stock. I can see some room for improvement, but I am happy at the stock level right now, much more so than in 2003.

We wont even get into the engine dept......

ncdoc

 

Great!

Finally got some good feedback.

 

wow older Z's are rougher? Ive never driven another Z other than my 07, and i think the ride is already rough, and the steering is a little heavy.

 

Im coming from a GTS-T Skyline on Tein HA Coilovers. My Z feels like a bus after that thing.. Its all relative to what you've driven.