I am only 18 years old right now I am driving a 2005 Nissan Altima, and love it. I am going through university next year for a year and six months. After that time I want to buy the newest model of the 350z. Just to clear things up, I buy everything my self. I do not waste money; I have been in the stock markets and all other aspects of investments, since 15 and have made enough to pay for more than anything I need. I just wanted to clear all that up, because I have seen what the people hear say to many 18 year old individuals that are thinking of owning or already own a 350z. I treat cars with respect; I do not ever push them to their limits, not even close. Would any one be willing to answer some questions that I had?

 

Sure, you will get answers, Jordan. Ask away. You might want to search before asking some of the more routine questions.

Particularly look through a thread titled "Top 100 Questions" before asking questions.

 

Welcome.

And the big question of the day is?

 

I have been reading for a while. Heh. Every day? But people seem to give extremely different answers to this question. Altima-Front Wheel Drive. 350z-well you know. I have never driven a rear wheel drive car in my life. I started on the Altima. I know when I get into a slide with the Altima I can easily steer my way back into driving straight, especially winter. The 350z will not be winter driven. So I am just dealing with summer for the car. How is the traction with the 350z? Cornering with out spinning out of control, and if the car does loose traction is it easy to correct? Some say “I have tried everything and I have yet to loose control with the car.” Others, “I almost got into an accident, it’s so dangerous!” I have never encountered a time where I lost control of the Altima.

So the 350z, good at handling corners with out skidding or loosing control? And if something does happen, is it easy to get out of?

Thanks

Jordan

 

i really dont see why kids continually feel the need to post up their age and a lengthy disclaimer about how they buy everything...just post.


you dont see 35 year olds getting on here saying "hi my names asshat and Im 35 and buy all my own stuff"....mehh, whatever.


the rear end of the car will step out pretty easily if you want it to. My best advice would be to find a HUGE empty parking lot(like nothing for a mile because youd be surprised how far you can go if you *** up) and do some hard starts and turns dry or wet its good to get a feel for both. Also experiment with traction control on and off(if your Z is equiped). TCS makes a huge difference, but its fairly easy to control either way.

 

The Altima runs SCCA G stock. The 350Z runs B stock. That gives you some idea of the potential.

Front and rear wheel drive cars a backwards. Neither is more difficult. With FWD the head wags the dog. You have no torque on the rear wheels so they just do as they please. With RWD, the rear wheels push the car. Its possible to push the car too much and it doesn't go where its pointed (understeer).

I urge new RWD drivers to experiment in a empty parking lot in the rain. Have fun. See what happens when you push the car to the limits.

 

"Easy" is a relative term. I think it's a predictable car, even when you take it beyond its limits. In a high HP RWD car, proper throttle inputs are more crucial than in a less powerful FWD car. (Talking about oversteer)

Every time this question comes up, I post this, because I too read all the "I lost control" threads and wondered how it happens. Well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_6Ei5j9YY

If I were you, I would find a safe place to get familiar with the car, and its limits. (I happen to like autocrossing)

BTW: I used to drive an 03 V-6 Altima. It was nice, but the Z is a different animal altogether.

 

I don't think the Z is easy to break loose on the rear. I drive fairly agressively on country roads & have not come close to losing it. Of course, I've got 50 years driving experience, most of it with rear wheel drives, so knowing adhession limits is second nature for me.

Good advise above on large empty parking lot. I never felt the need to go to a lot with a car but everytime I bought a new street bike I headed to an empty lot to find the limits.

 

yea i dont think in normal spirited driving its easy to break loose. from a stop or a slow roll I can kick the rear end out at will though.


If you want to break traction i dont think its difficult but it usually wont catch you off guard....unless its wet out


perosonally ive never had a problem with wet weather but some people around here like to claim phantom puddles and oil slicks made them crash...lol

 

Thank-you for the information.

 

Thank-you alot! =)

 

Thanks everyone! IT is been alot of help.

With that video though, it looked like he hardly did anything to spin out like he did... Am i wrong? I wont be driving even close to how he was, but just a question.

 

Because i am young, i dont have experience in driving these cars, but i do have the money for them. Im explaining i want to learn, and im not going to be going out there like a regular 18 year old child with a bit of extra cash not knowing anything except wanting a car. But i also understand where you are coming from, but i dont want to be compared to them thankyou.

 

Welcome to the forum Jordan. As the others have kindly pointed out, it's all relative to driving skill, setup of the car, tyres etc. I know that doesn't help you. I personally think 350's are a pretty easy drive, but deserve respect as does any car. As David has suggested, if you'd like to purchase a RWD, have a play somewhere quiet so you can get a feel for how the car will sit on the road, and how it will handle in comparison to FWD (note not somewhere where it will get you in trouble with the long arm of the law) . Happy Z hunting.

 

Thanks!

 

Well seeing as you "pay for everything yourself" I hope you check into insurance rates first before you start to think about even driving a Z. Especially since you want the "newest latest model of the Z." 18 y/o Male with a brand new 350Z, on your OWN insurance = assraped. Be prepared to shell out a lot of $$$ per month my friend.

I'm 18 myself, but am looking at used '03-'05 Z's and going under my parent's insurance, so I don't expect my rates to be as high. I'll still pay for my own insurance, but just be listed under my parent's policy, thus saving a lot of money.

 

I understand, i will be under my parents if they dont buy 2 cars. But if not its not a problem.