I'm still cross-shopping. Started with an open book. Only poor rear visibility, oil temp issues, and my horrible customer service experience with NISSAN 19 years ago are holding me back from firming up my decision for a Z.
My finalists:
Chevrolet Camaro -- 6 cyl has 300 horsepower and better fuel economy than a Z, plus better rear visibility, more luggage space, no reported oil temp issues, etc. and costs several thousand less. SS model, we're talking 400+ hp at a price competitive with a Z. No, a Camaro won't eke out that last .04G of grip, but on how many public roads can I use a Z to get that last .04G? (None. And I won't be driving on the track.)
G37 -- Dealer is too far away for even a test drive. If you can see out of the back of a G37, it might be the better fit for me. The performance difference between a G37 and a Z is negligible. A good driver in a G37 will smoke an average driver in a Z.
VW GTI -- Better visibility, better refinement, slides under the radar better, but . . . 200 hp and no better mileage than a Z?????? Nah.
MINI John Cooper Works -- Plastic on controls is cheap looking. No way a MINI should cost as much as a Z but, with the right equipment, it does.
BMW 135 -- Very nice. On most public roads in the hands of most drivers, will probably outperform a Z and do it with less fuss. But it's an ugly car. And I really don't like the poseur image that goes with the roundel.
Others eliminated earlier in the process: Cayman, Z4, Solstice Coupe (may it rest in peace), S2000 (may it rest in peace), Mustang, Challenger, Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru WRX STi.
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