Considering buying 370z.

ImportConvert · 11-10-2010, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckd05

I went 12.9 on a 6m with intake test pipe exhaust... car is not slow and the steering is far from numb .... this coming from a 2002 g20 driver and not a 370z owner is a bit ridiculous... The clutch is fine for a stock car and is very forgiving...

you say it handles well than you say the steering is numb ...

the power the car has is more than fine, it is as fast or faster than a e46 m3, my buddy has a e92 M3 and drives my car and loves it.. he rants and raves at how good it feels for basically half the cost of his car..

They " overheat " on the track without an oil cooler. But if you go to the track you know it costs money and the first thing you would do is add an oil cooler and its a non issue...

im just saying...

Yes, it has great grip. The steering felt a bit insulated to me, though. My Trans Ams had better feed-back. The clutch wasn't nearly as good as my Trans Am's regarding feedback/engaugement point.

I agree, it is on par with the E46 for speed, but the E46 engine is a masterpiece and I love the way they feel. The VQ is an aging design.

Oh, the oil-cooler voids the warranty on the engine, just so you know.

The 370Z is almost where my F-body was a decade ago, power-wise. It isn't a slow car, but it is not in line with its competators unless you are comparing it to 4-cylinder cars or Kia's. It's definitely meant for corners, not straight-line. If you understand/accept this, it will fulfill your expectations nicely, I think.

If you are used to the interior on your M3, the Z is a good choice, though. It has a very nice interior. The best I have seen/felt in its price range, easily.

optiontrader · 11-10-2010, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

...but it is not in line with its competators unless you are comparing it to 4-cylinder cars or Kia's.

Huh?

Hehe - stirring the pot again, eh?

Maybe FI'd 4-cyl's, yes. Kia? Mebbe I think not (but the Forte coupes look pretty good on the road), if I was gonna spend half on what I did with the Z, it'd be worth a look.

Come on, say what you really want to: the 5.0 is what it doesn't hold a candle to. That V-8 is to die for... but I'm not a Mustang fan...

...and I doubt the OP, orig BMW owner, isn't either...

ihatepotholes · 11-10-2010, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Yes, it has great grip. The steering felt a bit insulated to me, though. My Trans Ams had better feed-back. The clutch wasn't nearly as good as my Trans Am's regarding feedback/engaugement point.
I agree, it is on par with the E46 for speed, but the E46 engine is a masterpiece and I love the way they feel. The VQ is an aging design.

Oh, the oil-cooler voids the warranty on the engine, just so you know.

The 370Z is almost where my F-body was a decade ago, power-wise. It isn't a slow car, but it is not in line with its competators unless you are comparing it to 4-cylinder cars or Kia's. It's definitely meant for corners, not straight-line. If you understand/accept this, it will fulfill your expectations nicely, I think.

If you are used to the interior on your M3, the Z is a good choice, though. It has a very nice interior. The best I have seen/felt in its price range, easily.

wtf is this shiet?

your f-body can't do anything but go in a straight line. trans am has better steering feed back? do me a favor, pass that dutch.

ImportConvert · 11-10-2010, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihatepotholes

wtf is this shiet?

your f-body can't do anything but go in a straight line. trans am has better steering feed back? do me a favor, pass that dutch.

I felt more pavement surface feedback through the wheel of the WS6. My old F-body was a straight-line machine for sure, though. Not saying it turned better.

The Z's steering was precise, well-weighted, and accurate. It just felt more insulated. I was less sure of the pavement I was rolling across, based on the feel from the steering-wheel. Maybe that's a good/refined thing? Either way, just an observation.

The clutch on the other hand, I could only learn to live with. Never love. It was just to light and vague for my taste. Of course, that is personal too. My first manual was a 5.0 GT with 4.10's, cam, heads, full bolt-ons and a TKO500 with a King Cobra cable-operated clutch, and it had VERY good feed-back. I loved that clutch...and that's about all about that car I loved except the sound, lol.

spearfish25 · 11-10-2010, 06:07 AM

Couple updates to Import's comments.

Not only do I enjoy the steering feel, I think it's excellent. Some of the best I've felt.

The oil cooler does not void your entire powertrain warranty. That will only happen if you have an oil related problem DUE TO THE COOLER. Putting on an oil cooler isn't akin to SC or TT'ing your car and just forgoing warranty coverage.

The comment on the Z's power is a bit overzealous as well. The competitors for the Z are the Z4, the Cayman, and your other hodge-podge of the Crossfire, Solstice, RX8 etc. The Z beats many of them on a track save for the Cayman. Thus, the Z is a great package, dare I add 'especially for the price'.

With the same budget, I'd undoubtedly buy mine again.

ImportConvert · 11-10-2010, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Couple updates to Import's comments.

Not only do I enjoy the steering feel, I think it's excellent. Some of the best I've felt.

The oil cooler does not void your entire powertrain warranty. That will only happen if you have an oil related problem DUE TO THE COOLER. Putting on an oil cooler isn't akin to SC or TT'ing your car and just forgoing warranty coverage.

The comment on the Z's power is a bit overzealous as well. The competitors for the Z are the Z4, the Cayman, and your other hodge-podge of the Crossfire, Solstice, RX8 etc. The Z beats many of them on a track save for the Cayman. Thus, the Z is a great package, dare I add 'especially for the price'.

With the same budget, I'd undoubtedly buy mine again.

Solstice is dead. Crossfire is dead. RX8? It makes 240bhp. Cayman and Z4 are in different price-brackets.

Like it or not, the direct price/market competators are the Mustang GT and the Camaro SS.

Yes they are different cars, but they cost the same, and will inevitably be compared. Both have run 12's@110+mph bone stock in various tests.

The 5.0 is a great engine. (Happy now? I said it

)

The problem is this: The 370 has a different "mission" than the mustang GT or the Camaro SS. However, it is priced identically, and marketed to the same age-group. Also, like it or not, acceleration is something a sports car is judged by. The 370Z is trailing the pack unless we throw the Challenger R/T in there, then it has some company. However, it handily out-handles all but the GT w/track suspension. When the BOSS comes out, it will be right in-line with the Touring package Z price-wise. It will pull over 1G. It will make around 430bhp. It still won't look like the Z, but with Recaro's, it will have a comfy interior for performance driving.

The Cayman and the Z4 are not marketed in the same bracket or to the same audience.

If you are going to compare the 370Z to them, then you need to compare it also to the Corvette Grand Sport and the Shelby GT500 or a 2010 left-over base Z06, because that is the price-bracket you just stepped into.

I guess it really comes down to this: Pick your poison. Every car has strong/weak points and you need to just drive them all and figure out what you are willing to give up, and what you aren't.

All this being said, of the cars I mentioned, I would go with the 370Z. I constantly waver between the idea of the Z and the Z06. Will I get 30K more fun out of the Z06? I know the Z06 is the "better car", but is it "30K more fun?"

Decisions. We all have to make them. Half the reason I beat up on the 370Z so much is that I hope someone here will change my tune on behalf of the Z and save me some serious $.

Mag350Z · 11-10-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Solstice is dead. Crossfire is dead. RX8? It makes 240bhp. Cayman and Z4 are in different price-brackets.

Like it or not, the direct price/market competators are the Mustang GT and the Camaro SS.

Yes they are different cars, but they cost the same, and will inevitably be compared. Both have run 12's@110+mph bone stock in various tests.

The 5.0 is a great engine. (Happy now? I said it

)

The problem is this: The 370 has a different "mission" than the mustang GT or the Camaro SS. However, it is priced identically, and marketed to the same age-group. Also, like it or not, acceleration is something a sports car is judged by. The 370Z is trailing the pack unless we throw the Challenger R/T in there, then it has some company. However, it handily out-handles all but the GT w/track suspension. When the BOSS comes out, it will be right in-line with the Touring package Z price-wise. It will pull over 1G. It will make around 430bhp. It still won't look like the Z, but with Recaro's, it will have a comfy interior for performance driving.

The Cayman and the Z4 are not marketed in the same bracket or to the same audience.

If you are going to compare the 370Z to them, then you need to compare it also to the Corvette Grand Sport and the Shelby GT500 or a 2010 left-over base Z06, because that is the price-bracket you just stepped into.

I guess it really comes down to this: Pick your poison. Every car has strong/weak points and you need to just drive them all and figure out what you are willing to give up, and what you aren't.

All this being said, of the cars I mentioned, I would go with the 370Z. I constantly waver between the idea of the Z and the Z06. Will I get 30K more fun out of the Z06? I know the Z06 is the "better car", but is it "30K more fun?"

Decisions. We all have to make them. Half the reason I beat up on the 370Z so much is that I hope someone here will change my tune on behalf of the Z and save me some serious $.

most of this makes sense, however I don't see the logic in "either a 370 or a Z06".
A base Corvette costs about as much as a 370 Touring with Sport Package and will dramatically outperform the 370 in most areas. Even a 2010 Grand Sport can be had for about $50K.

I want a Z · 11-10-2010, 06:55 AM

I agree with many of ImportConvert's points, but ...
I have been shopping for a new toy for awhile and plan to buy an 11' Z in the spring.
For a while I was obsessed with 0-60 times and drove everything under the sun from the 5.0 to an M3 and I keep coming back to the Z, it puts a smile on my face just sitting in it. And when it comes down to it, the Z is really fast on the street, as fast as I will ever need to go. Yes, the 5.0 is about a 1/2 sec faster 0-60, but who really cares. The Z is a really fun car do drive and that's all that really matters.

ImportConvert · 11-10-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I want a Z

I agree with many of ImportConvert's points, but ...
I have been shopping for a new toy for awhile and plan to buy an 11' Z in the spring.
For a while I was obsessed with 0-60 times and drove everything under the sun from the 5.0 to an M3 and I keep coming back to the Z, it puts a smile on my face just sitting in it. And when it comes down to it, the Z is really fast on the street, as fast as I will ever need to go. Yes, the 5.0 is about a 1/2 sec faster 0-60, but who really cares. The Z is a really fun car do drive and that's all that really matters.

Buy what makes you happy. A number is just a number. If one car makes you smile--and the other not so much, then I think you know what to do.

LuckyJinx · 11-10-2010, 07:12 AM

Buy a z and you'll lose 5 lbs. Race a track and your oil will blow up the car. Don't buy the car, then you're gay.

TypeOne · 11-10-2010, 08:36 AM

I've owned Mustangs, Camaros, Subarus, Hondas and Toyotas...

Before I made the choice to get a Z, I looked at almost every other car in the same price range. 5.0s, SS Camaro, Subaru STi, Evo X... even a C6 Vette...

When it comes down to quality, I wasn't impressed with how the Mustangs were built... sure the powertrains are strong (we all know that) but the interior of those cars must have got the left over parts from the F150s or something because they were bland and boring. The Camaro was similar, but not as bad. Maybe it's just my prejudice against American made cars but I can't stand them.

In any case, I think there are a ton of reasons why to get a 370Z, but make sure it's going to be what you really want.

I love the way my car looks, I love the way it sounds, I love the way it feels when I drive it, I love that it is a Z car and it has a long heritage and most importantly, I love that it isn't a Mustang or Camaro. :-D

m4a1mustang · 11-10-2010, 08:42 AM

Get whatever makes you happy and have fun. It's just a car. You can always change things up down the road (look at me!). Just get what you want right now and ENJOY it. The day you start thinking you might be happier with something else, then go give that a shot.

FUN! That's what life's all about, right?

MakoFury · 11-10-2010, 09:46 AM

I too looked at everything under the sun in this price range...Evo X, STi, 335i, E46 M3...ultimately I picked the Z for the combination of looks, interior, handling, and decent speed. Evo X has great handling and potential for speed but the interior is really bland and the exterior is a bit ricey, same for the STi.

It's amazing that we're at the point where a 5 sec 0-60 is considered somewhat slow at $30-40k. I just didn't consider the Mustang GT because it's just not my style, sounds like a great car though for the right person.

Hoping to get my 2011 Z in the next few months!

m4a1mustang · 11-10-2010, 09:54 AM

It's funny that the people that get their panties in a wad over those specs will never see a track to begin with. The Z is a stout car. It's quick, it's fast, and it's fun. If you like it, get it!

kensin0429 · 11-10-2010, 11:15 AM

no oil coolers? how does oil cool ??

11-10-2010, 06:07 AM	#5 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	Couple updates to Import's comments. Not only do I enjoy the steering feel, I think it's excellent. Some of the best I've felt. The oil cooler does not void your entire powertrain warranty. That will only happen if you have an oil related problem DUE TO THE COOLER. Putting on an oil cooler isn't akin to SC or TT'ing your car and just forgoing warranty coverage. The comment on the Z's power is a bit overzealous as well. The competitors for the Z are the Z4, the Cayman, and your other hodge-podge of the Crossfire, Solstice, RX8 etc. The Z beats many of them on a track save for the Cayman. Thus, the Z is a great package, dare I add 'especially for the price'. With the same budget, I'd undoubtedly buy mine again. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

11-10-2010, 08:42 AM	#12 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Get whatever makes you happy and have fun. It's just a car. You can always change things up down the road (look at me!). Just get what you want right now and ENJOY it. The day you start thinking you might be happier with something else, then go give that a shot. FUN! That's what life's all about, right? __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

11-10-2010, 09:54 AM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	It's funny that the people that get their panties in a wad over those specs will never see a track to begin with. The Z is a stout car. It's quick, it's fast, and it's fun. If you like it, get it! __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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11-10-2010, 06:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
I want a Z Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MD Posts: 225 Drives: 03 Chevy Avalanche Rep Power: 15	I agree with many of ImportConvert's points, but ... I have been shopping for a new toy for awhile and plan to buy an 11' Z in the spring. For a while I was obsessed with 0-60 times and drove everything under the sun from the 5.0 to an M3 and I keep coming back to the Z, it puts a smile on my face just sitting in it. And when it comes down to it, the Z is really fast on the street, as fast as I will ever need to go. Yes, the 5.0 is about a 1/2 sec faster 0-60, but who really cares. The Z is a really fun car do drive and that's all that really matters.

11-10-2010, 07:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
LuckyJinx Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 465 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 15	Buy a z and you'll lose 5 lbs. Race a track and your oil will blow up the car. Don't buy the car, then you're gay.

11-10-2010, 08:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
TypeOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 2,682 Drives: BSM 370 Rep Power: 1851	I've owned Mustangs, Camaros, Subarus, Hondas and Toyotas... Before I made the choice to get a Z, I looked at almost every other car in the same price range. 5.0s, SS Camaro, Subaru STi, Evo X... even a C6 Vette... When it comes down to quality, I wasn't impressed with how the Mustangs were built... sure the powertrains are strong (we all know that) but the interior of those cars must have got the left over parts from the F150s or something because they were bland and boring. The Camaro was similar, but not as bad. Maybe it's just my prejudice against American made cars but I can't stand them. In any case, I think there are a ton of reasons why to get a 370Z, but make sure it's going to be what you really want. I love the way my car looks, I love the way it sounds, I love the way it feels when I drive it, I love that it is a Z car and it has a long heritage and most importantly, I love that it isn't a Mustang or Camaro. :-D

11-10-2010, 09:46 AM	#13 (permalink)
MakoFury Base Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 35 Drives: 2011-370Z-GunM-6MT Rep Power: 16	I too looked at everything under the sun in this price range...Evo X, STi, 335i, E46 M3...ultimately I picked the Z for the combination of looks, interior, handling, and decent speed. Evo X has great handling and potential for speed but the interior is really bland and the exterior is a bit ricey, same for the STi. It's amazing that we're at the point where a 5 sec 0-60 is considered somewhat slow at $30-40k. I just didn't consider the Mustang GT because it's just not my style, sounds like a great car though for the right person. Hoping to get my 2011 Z in the next few months!

11-10-2010, 11:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
kensin0429 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: palmsprings Posts: 244 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 16	no oil coolers? how does oil cool ??