I'm wondering if I would be happy with a 350Z. I own a 04 WRX, with some light mods to the engine, and swapped STI struts + JDM STI pink springs (upgrade over usdm). My best time was a 13.3 @ 101 and that is plenty fast for me. I also want something with equally as great handling but comfortable at the same time.

Sti struts + sti pink springs = very harsh on Chicago roads.

How does the Z stack up in this instance? Does it do ok with bolt-ons? I do not have the dollars or patience to invest in turboing an NA car.

I also live in Chicago, and can only own 1 car. My residence is street parking. Will a set of snow tires get me through the winter? I still would like it to be enjoyable in the winter, I realize I will have to be more careful…but I don’t want to crawl and have miserable driving experience for 3-4 months.

 

check out chicagoZ . com They will be able to help you out alot more...and less flame chance! Plus you may be able to pick up a local one cheap.

 

enjoyable in the winter in respect to practicality?

the 350z is not for y0.

 

must also ponder if u can live with a 2 seater

 

I have no need for more than 2 seats. I also do not transport any large items.

 

My honest opinion would be to keep the WRX, at least through the winter, and then make your decision in the Spring- by then the already low prices on used Z's will only be lower. It's your call at the end of the day but, being the in Northeast, I would greatly appreciate the value of AWD during the winter. Good luck either way

 

[QUOTE=07sanmarino;7966040]My honest opinion would be to keep the WRX, at least through the winter, and then make your decision in the Spring- by then the already low prices on used Z's will only be lower. It's your call at the end of the day but, being the in Northeast, I would greatly appreciate the value of AWD during the winter. Good luck either way[/QUOTE

 

if you are going to buy a 350z, make sure you get the hr motor (07-08).

in a nutshell, the hr motor is literally better in every single way compared to the de motor (03-06).

 

Take it from someone who owns both a '02 WRX and '08 350Z (both are stock), the WRX is more comfortable and better suited for winter driving.

 

+1 for keepin the wrx for winter...if your only going to have one car, i'd stick with the wrx unless you can get access to a truck or suv..also check out chicagoZ

 

ive shouldve waited and got an hr. +1 for HR

 

13.3 at 101? the MPH seems a little low?

 

If I have to drive in snow I am taking the WRX and parking the 350Z. No question about it.

 

Snow + Z = Hell no

 

+1 HR

 

That's an AWD car for you. The 1.7 60' at launch is what helps with the time.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I think I'll take that advise and hold off through winter.

 

wrx >>>>>>>>>>> z

 

I will say this, there are ALOT of guys in Chicago that drive their Z's year round (not sure if FI) that don't have much problem WHEN THEY DRIVE SMART (winter tires, keeping traction control on, only going down streets that have been driven on, weight in the back, etc).

It CAN be done, but if given the choice, WRX would be a better option.

 

Keep the wrx. I drove in northeastern snow once in the Z, never again. I bought an awd car after that, could have been mod money, lol. So if you can afford 2 cars, go for it, if it will be your daily, keep awd, trade up for an sti or evo.

 

Sounds like my dilemma 2.5 years ago. I owned a 04 WRX with a few mods (stage 2 plus some suspension goods). I sold the WRX and bought my Z. I am not sure what Chicago winters are like as far as snow, but we get a moderate amount here. But, and this is a big but, the road services around my area are very good. When it snows, the roads are cleared right away and I almost never have to drive in more than 1 inch of snow. So far, I've gone through 2 winters without any major issues. Major points:

1. I have winter wheels and tires for the cold months. This is a must.

2. I have an option of taking my wife's rav4 if things get hairy outside, which I have done several times in the past. If I had no such option, I would have not gotten the Z.

3. Winter driving in the Z is a compromise. I am still enjoying it but it's definitely not as good as summer time. I always have to take a mental note not to attack corners and just take it easy, even if the roads are clear. Winter rubber just does not offer the same level of traction.

4. Bottom line, winter time, I do miss the WRX. It was just business as usual in that car, all year long. Raining, snowing, whatever, no problem. I didn't have to slow down for anything. With the upgraded struts, springs and sways, the car lost all of the understeer and became a neutral handling road performer. It made me look like a hero around every corner.

Given your situation, my opinion is that you should keep the rex until you can have a backup solution.