Quote:
Originally Posted by ImportConvert
Never noticed heat from a Z. N/A motors pull GREAT! off the line. Tiny one's with poorly geared drivelines don't. The Z has a tiny one, but the gearing is VERY aggressive in the first few gears. It hides this deficiency in torque very well.
The only shortcomings I have found based on riding in, driving, and viewing what others have to say is that the Z is lacking in power with the new Camaro at 426, and the mustang at 400+, and the price is nearly that of a base corvette if you load the Z out.
The Z has great quality, but the things I didn't like:
Clutch is an on/off switch.
Engine has very limited mod potential without FI, and is weak compared to the competition.
Things I did like:
Interior lay-out
Ride quality
shift feel/effort
nav system and electronics are very user-friendly
Reason why I have not bought one: only 332bhp (280whp).
That's it.
Make it fast, and I would be instantly sold on it. If 280 whp is enough for you, I say go for it!
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While it is true that the Z is lacking in straight line performance, I think there is a lot more to the overall package that makes it an easier sell-- especially the short wheelbase. I never thought I would see another reasonable performance car with a 100" wheelbase (I miss the S2k's 94.5" wheelbase so much). This thing somehow manages to be tossable on the backroads-- which is a far greater accomplishment to me than laying down a little more power.
The Z has a nice, fairly linear power curve, and doesn't have any surprises in the rev range that will get you in trouble.
Don't get me wrong, I'd take a few more ponies, but I value a well-balanced car over one laying down a ton of power. If I ever wound up with another s2000, I would leave it laying stock power and just enjoy the balance of the car...