According to Rad & Tracks "Sports &GT cars 2003 issue, the G35 Coupe handles better than the Z. Here are the stats:

G35,
Skidpad: 0.92g
Slalom: 67.7mph

350Z Track
Skidpad: 0.89g
Slalom: 65.6mph

This just does not sound right to me. So the G35 Luxury Coupe can out handle the Z. The article even states that the G35 handled better around a track than the 350Z.

I have not driven a G35, but was pissed when I saw these numbers. Now given that the G35 has much better tires (Michelin Piolt Sport, exact same tire size as the 18's on the Z), how much of a difference can this make?

Looks like I will now have to purchase the Nismo suspension upgrade.

 

The g35c also has a longer wheelbase, which gives it greater cornering stability and cornering speed.

 

actually a longer wheelbase should raise its polar inertia giving it a less responsive steering.

to be honest tread is HUGE. its ALWAYS the limiting factor, you can try and balance the car on them, so they have the best chance of staying in contact. SCC did their modifications and although they lost HP in it, they got it up to .98g's with suspension and tread. its got great possibilities, a fully tuned suspension with good rubber and maybe lightweight rims would easily break 1g on the skidpad.

 

I would agree with ares. Tires make a substantial difference. If you were to swap out the Bridgestone for the Pilots, you would probably equal the G35C in performance, at worst.

 

I second that... I pre-ordered both and drove both. The G35C feels heavier, softer, slower, and just plain 'ol isn't as fun to drive as the Z. It's a compromise car, for if you need 2 extra seats.

 

Someone tell me if I'm wrong but handling is much more than skidpad ratings. Sure, higher skidpad means better grip, etc. But the ability to turn quickly and precisely is not skidpad related. Skidpad is greatly about grip. Tires are grip.

I know it's not this black and white but you get the point.

 

But slalom is a good indication of the car's ability to turn quickly while maintaining its stability and grip, and the G35 still beat the Z's numbers. As others have pointed out, the tires seem to be the likely place where the Z is losing out to the G35. It's disappointing that Nissan did not choose a more aggressive tire for the Z.

 

your wrong.

haha jk, naw, thats right, skidpad is just a measure of strict grip you can get in a constant turn. but if you were to whip it around the other way the body might roll and throw itself off way before the Gs it had the first time. thats what slalom is for.

but even so, it has to do with alot more factors than that. a race track is the only way, but incredably hard to standardize. take the match they had in that other mag, 4 cars(TT, S, stang, and Z) while the Z was not the fastest or the best handler, it had the fastest lap times. explain that.(yeah it had something to do with the best blend of both, but there is more to it like braking and what not)

 

 

Plus the Z just looks better... . If I want 4 seats that's what the M3 is for ..hehehe

 

 

wow, your car looks like mine.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...threadid=47711

 

GOTZ TO BE THE SHOES!

sorry couldn't resist all the talk about the tires.

 

nice choice, bro. you know i almost feel bad about driving my car knowing that some guys have been waiting for their M6 since may and i stumbled upon mine. oh well better timing i guess......


Doc

 

Hehe, my bad... I still love the G35C, but I really do think the Z still looks better. They're different looks altogether, the Z is sporty and looks like a pure sports car, the G35C is more along the lines of the SC430, a luxury coupe. For 4 seat coupe uses I have the M3 Cab. SMG

 

Seems like the best estimator of a car's prowess would be a lap, or the average of three laps, on a road course.

Of course, engine and brakes would affect times here, but in the case of the G35 and 350Z, I think they'd be similar enough for our purposes.

 

i was just messing with you guys. i love the 350 and would prolly have one now if the guys at Gwinnett Nissan werent such jerks. but after i wrecked the GS, i needed four seats. i would say that the coupe is the "next best thing"



Doc

 

what did they do? thats where I got my car. walked out the door with a black touring off the lot for MSRP. they were awesome, went over the whole car, didnt wax it as per my instructions, and even turned on the UGA football game so we could do the paper work without missing the big game(we won too, it was a glorious day)

anyway, good luck with whichever you go with.

 

well when i went, i had my GS400. wasnt looking to trade, just an outright purchase as a 2nd vehicle. they told me that i had to put a $1500 deposit on the car, run my credit to see if i was qualified and then talk numbers before they would let me test drive it. i have talked to several people about it and some say that that is normal. but i called p'tree nissan and they werent asking for the deposit and invited me in for a test drive. what really galled me was that they (gwinnett) told me that lexus, bmw, and mercedes never let you test drive cars. that is a lie b/c i test drove all of them before i got my GS. the whole situation really turned me against the company. then now, with the constant calling b/c supply has now caught up with demand, i can come test drive whatever i want up there. i wrecked the GS about 3 weeks ago and picked up the coupe friday before last. as much as i love the new Z, i think the coupe suits my needs a little better. little roomier, just a smidgen slower, basically the same good looks. oh and i heard that it handles better than the Z


Doc

 

DrRick: This is getting off topic, but I'm sure many of us are curious: what happened to your GS400? Looks like you rolled it!