Thread: Anyone else not too impressed?
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Old 08-13-2012, 12:58 PM   #111 (permalink)
shadoquad
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spearfish25 View Post
It's all about perspective. I've been a happy 370Z owner for years now, but my mind wonders about other cars after I read the car mags, watch YouTube videos, and go to track days with faster cars all around. It's easy to feel like the Z is chop liver as time moves along. So much so that I went and test drove an E92 M3 and a Cadillac CTS-V last weekend. At the end of the day, my perspective had changed once again. Both cars were great cars. The M3 was just one notch faster than the Z (read: slightly faster but not dramatically so) while the CTS-V pulled like a beast. But the steering feel of the M3 was good but not as connected as the Z (I know, I know, it can't be so). Also, the interior was lackluster and boring...nothing that makes you inspired and connected to the car. The CTS-V couldn't disguise its extra 1000 lbs and felt like a behemoth in corners and braking. Wrapping in the price of these cars being double the Z's, I drove home in my 370Z again assured that I had made the right purchase 3 years ago. I can enjoy my Z as a daily driver, track car, and autocross car and never feel bad about abusing a really expensive vehicle. The CTS-V and even M3 are less than optimal for autocross while the Z shines. The Z can hold its own in corners and braking zones at track days, only to be trumped on long straights. I definitely bought the right car.
I love my Z, and I plan on keeping it.

But I am looking to add a Corvette to the stable. I drove a Z06 this weekend and was surprised to find that it also lacks that punch in the lower back. That might surprise you, considering the car is making 505 hp and 475 ft-lbs of torque in a 7-liter v8. But that's the truth, the z06 is so well planted that the acceleration doesn't feel like you're gonna break your neck.

I think that cars with higher center of gravity or softer suspensions may give that feel, or turbo'ed cars. I remember feeling like the new Mustang GT and the Mazdaspeed3 were cramming me back into their seats. It's fun. But I like the planted, tight feel of the 370z and the track-ready Vette.
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