Sports package or not?
 

Im thinking of getting a 09 Z, but use mostly for daily commute with traffic going no faster than 40-50mph, do you think i should still get a sport package? i dont race. i can afford an extra $3K but i just like to know if i benefit from it or not.

Are you planning on 6MT or 7AT? If 6MT, you get the SRM, which is a great feature...even more so if you aren't already familiar with heel-to-toe shifting. I've never heel-to-toe shifted before, but if my next car doesn't have a SRM-similar feature, I'll have to learn how. It's made shifting much smoother!

The brake upgrade is more visual for your type of driving. The non-sports brakes will do the job handily, but the sports brakes do look great!

The front/rear spoiler is available in an aero package, so are still available sans sports. I think they look great and do not like the Z without at least the rear spoiler. My opinion only, of course.

The tire/wheel upgrade certainly makes the car look a lot better, at the cost of upping your maintence costs on the car (18" to 19" tires). I can't say enough about the looks of the sports wheels though, easily one of the best "stock" wheels I've seen.

The VLSD may not be as noticeable for the type of driving you expect, but on the occassional "spirited driving" trips you may take outside of your normal commute, it'll certainly be helpful.

Top of my head, I can't think of the other sports features, but if there are a few components of the upgrade you want it's absolutely worth the cost. All of the features individually would easily double the package's cost (no option for SRM aftermarket).

Bang for buck, sports pgk is a hell of a deal!

I agree with what Matt said. Slow or fast you may need to slam on the brakes in case of an emergency then u will appreciate the bigger brakes. Close calls are better than impact. My rotors are purple now.:eek:

SRM is for babies who do not know how to drive a stick.... I am kidding of course! :)

I have a base model with the aero package. Though no issues spending the extra +10%, I opted to not buy the sports package. I like my cars in the "raw" and enjoy the excitement of the traditional heel-toe.

In my humble opinion, unless you track regularly, the extra $ is not worth it. Much like the Nav, unless you travel a lot, how often will you be utilizing it?

Don't get me wrong, sometimes I wished I bought the sports model. But wishing is normal and we never get satisfied.

If money is no issue, buy the extra options. There is no substitute knowing that your Z is "Fully Loaded.". Plus it would be one less thing for you to say "I wished that....."

good luck.

Sport package is well worth it. The 19's look incredible, and the SRM is great. I've been driving stick for 15 years, and thought I'd never use it, but it's really nice for day to day driving.

yes sport package. get it.

On the street the stopping distances are essentially the same with both the sport and non-sport. In theory the sport brakes should do better under light track duty but the reality is they don't.

So the best reasons to get the Sport package are:
- SRM
- Larger sport wheels
- Viscous LSD (good for street use)

yes..get it.

+1, also your resale might be higher with sports pack...

Thanks guys for the great answers.

Matt, youre right. The 19" wheels do look better. Once you go 19" you can't go back. :icon18:

I drive auto. And I have no idea what SRM mean or it would help with an Auto transmission.

The SRM is for the manual only. All the auto's have a version of SRM so you're good.

Absolutely get the Sport Package. Even in a traffic jam, the SRM comes in handy, makes it smooth. And when you get out of traffic and onto back roads, you will thank me. Get the Sport Package. :driving:

I have a 7at base. I actually like the 18s and will probably change out wheels anyway. So STM and wheels didn't matter-wider tires aren't a huge aftermarket hit. But I miss the big brakes and aftermarket is probably the cost of sport package. Also, I think LSD is sport option and attractive. Personal choice, I think, but definitely a great value either way.

I'd get the Sport Package just for the wheels and the spoiler, and bragging rights:"My rotors are bigger than yours"