Comparisons, Comparisons, Comparisons

SeattleLion

A lot of time here is spent comparing the Z34 to Z's and other cars present and past. Nothing wrong with that, but I think it tends to distort both the good and bad points of our cars.

For one thing, if you want to compare our cars to other sports cars, you have to use cars that cost $10-$30k more than the Z. If you want to compare it to muscle cars, well then you may not understand exactly what the 370 is.

We don't own the fastest, best handling car in the world. Does that shock anyone? I think we own arguably one of the most beautiful cars ever made; at least to me. If I could afford it, I would love to own a 911S. I am pretty sure it wouldn't be as much fun to drive; not because the 911 is inferior, but because I would worry about the cost of maintenance and repairs. Again, that's just me.

It all depends on what you want. I wanted a car that would take me to work in a fun way, look beautiful, and be able in stock form to go on the track for some nice HPDE. The Z does all of that.

Maybe I would take the Z over the 911. I am having a blast driving the Z. Even at 25mph on the way to work, I feel I am driving the car, not operating a motor vehicle. As a complete beginner on the track, the Z let me put down a good line at a good (for me) speed. My dream was to be able to drive on a track, not win some major event.

So, before worrying about whether the Z is faster, better, sportier than any other car, consider what value it delivers to you. Does the Z make you smile when you drive it? Do you like the way people react when they see it? Is it fun to take those corners? And, if you are lucky enough to take it on the track, does it let you feel the rush of driving a car as fast as you want?

Even if you compare the 370 with other "sporty" cars in Consumer Reports, looking past the "overall reliability" rating to the actual specifics, you find that the Z is actually a very reliable car. It has weak points. All cars do. The real comparison to make is whether the car will keep making you happy long after the new-car smell wears off.

Just sayin'