Should I trade my WRX for a 350Z?
12-03-2009, 06:45 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: chicago
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Should I trade my WRX for a 350Z?
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.
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.
12-03-2009, 07:26 PM
#6
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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
12-03-2009, 07:34 PM
#7
[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
Trending Topics
12-04-2009, 05:35 AM
#16
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: chicago
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
12-04-2009, 12:45 PM
#18
Registered User
iTrader: (11)
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: monticello, illinois
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
It CAN be done, but if given the choice, WRX would be a better option.
12-08-2009, 01:44 AM
#20
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.
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.