Hey guys, my nismo is due to arrive tomorrow and i took a touring model out for a test drive today. I just wanted to get your input and opinions on a few things. First, the clutch seemed very high, as far as the release point/friction point. Secondly, how much stiffer is the Z compared to a base/touring, and how much better does it handle. The touring felt alittle heavy in turns and I was scared to push it too hard. This may be due to a lack of comfort zone from inexperience with the car, but just wanted to check on all this stuff. Lastly does the nismo trim seem to accelerate faster than a touring? I would imagine so based on the stiffer frame, better suspension, and lighter wheels (less unsprung weight). Thank you for your time and input.

 

The ride on the nismo is very stiff,price you pay for track like suspension.My clutch pedal was high too,had the dealer change that to where it should be.

 

I was looking more for someone who has driven both to tell me HOW different. I know the nismo is stiff, i want stiff. I just wanted to know how much better it handled.

Also, how does a dealer change where your clutch engages??? That's usually a function of your transmission, i.e. can't just be adjusted quickly.

 

The handling/ride on my Nismo Z is much better than the my 03 Track with Koni shocks.

 

Because they put a new clutch,throw out bearing,slave cylinder(no it wasn't one of the recalls) and pressure plates.To get to the slave cylinder,you have to drop the transmission.When it was all put back together the clutch pedal was like it should be,not at the end of it's travel.

 

Almost forgot(sorry for the double post),i can't judge the handling compared to another 350z,because i didn't drive any.The only car i can compare it with was the car i had for ten years and traded in on it,which was a 98 gsx and in that department(sorry folks)the gsx with that awd will do a number on it,no contest.Quite honestly if i had been able to test drive it on some curvy roads instead of straight ones,i wouldn't have bought it.Don't get me wrong for a rwd car it's good,i'm just spoiled.Rule of thumb is:awd>rwd>fwd.

 

That is reassurance enough for me. I wasn't impressed with the touring's handling. I would give it a 6/10. So it is good to know that the nismo should be alot stiffer and feel more solid thru the turns.

 

There is no doubt. The Nismo Z feels much lighter on its feet and turns in much nicer. I think it corners flatter too. It is much more confidence inspiring to drive fast.

 

In a recent C&D and R&T article the Nismo outsed the new S2000 SR on a tight track (really it equalled the S2000s time) but was choosen the better of the two because it had nicer amenities then the stripped down S2000 CR or SR whatever it was called. This is still quite accomplishment for a heavier car.

They also stated that on a track not as tight the Nismo would better the S2000's time considerably. Most Touring model 350Z are not going to be able to do that unless the S2000's drive is a newbie.
The Base or Enthusaist would probably be next in line as fastest track Z, with the Nismo being the best handling Z car built.

Some say the Touring has a nicer ride then the base, I've found that the suspension is the same until 05-07 the ride and shifter syncronizing is better.

 

http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=6057