For those of you who have gotten rid of your 370Z

Kingbaby · 10-11-2011, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I don't think that we have very many ex-mustang guys here. Only mustang I had previously was an 89 fox, and that was less about being a mustang and more about being a purpose built drag car.

He was quoting a statement I made...I could of swore I read it somewhere in a discussion here...disregard that misguided statment.

Whatever the case maybe, most didn't know what they were getting into...

NewlyIMPORTed · 10-12-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingbaby

So is it the performance your after or the overall package? Meaning in the looks department are your more satisfied by the suby than the Nissan? I was at a suby dyno day, and boy oh boy was my feelings hurt! STI/WRX make more power for the buck than a Z would and not by a little...huge margin in power. Is that a selling point for me? NO! The STI/WRX seat 5 and room for luggage...is that a selling point for me? NO!

If it is then you and I want different things. I wanted a sportscar, you wanted practicality with some punch!

There's nothing wrong with that, and more so your smarter!

I'd tell you what was a selling point for me....being in the nissan family...owning a entry level sportscar for my first car. For the looks, you guys know what I mean.

you pretty much nailed it. In the looks department I loved my Z.. they are beautiful and lets not hide the fact that the STI isnt the classiest car on wheels! haha but over all performance and practicality sold me. Also, the idea that less gets more in the power department got me as well.

semtex · 10-12-2011, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewlyIMPORTed

you pretty much nailed it. In the looks department I loved my Z.. they are beautiful and lets not hide the fact that the STI isnt the classiest car on wheels! haha but over all performance and practicality sold me. Also, the idea that less gets more in the power department got me as well.

I agree completely. And regarding the looks - I actually try to avoid looking at my STi from certain angles.

Kingbaby · 10-12-2011, 12:47 AM

I like the hatch!

m4a1mustang · 10-12-2011, 12:56 AM

I've always liked the WRX for it's practicality + fun factor. For a while I wanted one of the bugeyed wagons because it'd be great for hauling bikes and kayaks and all of that jazz.

It's pretty cool now that the new WRX has the widebody, which looks really good IMO. I wouldn't mind having one as a DD. It'd be great in winter.

Kingbaby · 10-12-2011, 01:14 AM

^^^

Exactly we get all stoked about Subaru for those reasons...that's what I was trying to get to. Some think the Z can fill that void...just doesn't happen. Thus the trade in/selling off of the lonely Z

Pharmacist · 10-12-2011, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarsRfun

I respectfully disagree, the STi, Mustang 5.0, and EVO dont have oil cooler issues, limp mode or braking issues...They arent a step down at all from a Z, as a previous poster said they may be a lateral step with an upward tilt.
The EVO comes with the superior brembo brakes, has a quicker 0-60 time and 1/4 mile time and was voted best handling car under 40k. Just because you've never owned one does not make them inferior in any way...you sound very biased. Ive driven the 370 z, my friend owns one by the way. Nice car but I value the room of my 4 door EVO, the AWD/all weather capability, excellent braking, handling, and thrust/torque 300ft/lbs.
To each his own...Id own a Z if my needs and wants were different.

I'm pretty sure they do have oil cooling issues. Just because many sports cars do not reach limp mode doesn't mean their oil does not reach critically hot temperatures and damage the engine, unless of course they come with oil coolers, which I believe none of the above cars do.

As for limp mode, apparently nissan finally addressed this issue by offering oem oil coolers on new Z models

And the Z doesn't have a "braking issue". It just has brakes that are not ideal for heavy duty track use, just like 99.99% of cars out there including many sports cars, even including more prestigious brands such as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, BMW, etc. Almost any car out there, even sports cars, would need at least heavy duty pads and fluids before you even think of tracking them. Yes that includes mustangs and evos too. The whole "braking issue" thing has been blown way out of proportion ever since the apes on car and driver crashed their nismo. It's kinda like the oil temp issue which is also being blown out of proportion by owners who never track their car nor do they ever hit limp mode.

As far as performance of Evo vs Z, 0-60 and 1/4 mile are of course better with the evo due to the AWD traction vs RWD wheelspin of the Z. The turbocharged 4 banger however runs out of steam at high rpm and the Z is faster at higher speeds. As far as handling on a road course, laptimes of the Evo in different tracks around the world are about the same as or slightly slower than the Z. So handling is actually about the same, with a slight advantage to the Z. Actually the Z chassis is better balanced. The Evo is a bit heavier and nose heavy, like a FWD car. It's just that the AWD and fancy electronics compensate for that.

Pharmacist · 10-12-2011, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Saying the current EVO, STI, or Mustang is a step down is a pretty curious statement...worst case they're lateral moves.

Depends on what the objective is. If it is getting into a flashy good looking classy sports car, then it's a big downgrade. Mustangs are ugly and about as common as Camrys. Evo and Sti are just a lancer and an impreza with a turbo. If the desire is more practicality, the Evo and STi are big upgrades. Mustang not so much. Yeah it has a pair of useless back seats and a slightly larger trunk. That's about it.

If the objective is straight line performance, Evo and STI are a minor upgrade. They do have the advantage of AWD. Of course, super sticky aftermarket tires on the Z will easily bridge the gap. The Mustang will be a big upgrade in that regard.

If it's about handling and track performance, the Evo and STI are lateral moves. They post laptimes usually about the same as the Z. The Mustang would be a downgrade. They have a heavier and less well balanced chassis than the Z, not to mention prehistoric suspension. Turbocharge the Z and you will have the same power and straightline performance as the Mustang, while retaining a ligher, more nimble, and better balanced chassis with the potential for further adjusting and fine tuning the suspension for improving handling. Let's be honest, there isn't much you can adjust on that solid lump of metal in the back of a Mustang

RunNgun · 10-12-2011, 02:01 AM

I was a brief owner of a Z who ultimately had to return it to due a fiasco at the dealership. During my brief stint with the Z there were several unsettling features that began to make me question my purchase. Namely size and noise.

I really didnt like how I could hear dirt and pebbles and basically anything on the road hitting the wheel wells if I drove with the stereo off. They felt good, and gave good feedback and made me feel like part of the car, but it was still annoying and felt cheap. I also didnt like having to hold the steering wheel to climb inside, and having to push myself out of the seats when exiting. I'm a normal sized guy, 5'11" 165lbs, but I felt like I was in a toy car.

Within my first week of ownership I already ran into a situation where I needed rear seats. I ended up dropping off my wife at home and going back out to grab someone. That was pretty annoying.

Lack of interior modification. I think some people have said the Z is basically a fully maxed out car by the time you get it. If you dont like what it has to offer in stock form, then you wont be happy. Everything is just too tightly woven together to upgrade anything at all. I kept scratching my head about some of the interior mods I wanted to perform wondering if I'd ever be able to do it.

Once I returned the vehicle I realized that the Z seemed like more of a "fun car" to me. Like a sunday driver. Not very practical for daily use, but great for playing around in. As a result I have shifted my attentions over to a Mustang 5.0, namely due to increased interior room and comfort. I still remember sitting down inside one for the first time last weekend, and I literally uttered a sigh of relief, saying "wow". The car just felt so roomy coming from the Z. Visibility was outstanding, I basically felt like I was back at home in my sedan again but with 420hp. These are HUGE plusses for me, despite the fact I am more in love with the Z overall. I can also get more bang for my buck, plus the mods.

I'll tell you, every time I look at pictures of a Z my heart swells, and every time I look at pictures of a 5.0 my heart sinks. Ford makes a pretty car, but Nissan hit the nail on the head. The Z is a beautiful car, I just wish it were a little bigger and a lot quieter. Appearance isnt everything, so point for point I think I have to let it go and move to another vehicle.

Red__Zed · 10-12-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

.

If it's about handling and track performance, the Evo and STI are lateral moves. They post laptimes usually about the same as the Z. The Mustang would be a downgrade. They have a heavier and less well balanced chassis than the Z, not to mention prehistoric suspension. Turbocharge the Z and you will have the same power and straightline performance as the Mustang, while retaining a ligher, more nimble, and better balanced chassis with the potential for further adjusting and fine tuning the suspension for improving handling. Let's be honest, there isn't much you can adjust on that solid lump of metal in the back of a Mustang

I agree with most of this post early on... I have said many time that the z is by far the best looking car in it's price range. If your goal is to be seen in a flashy car, it is tough to beat.

This last paragraph is so full of

I don't even know what to do with it. I guess if your idea of "better balance" is "understeer at all costs", then yes...the z is better balanced.

Edit: nevermind. You're the guy who can't seem to grasp the point of a factory-built racecar, and complaining because it's not twin-turbo....I'll leave this one to someone else.

PapoZalsa · 10-12-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

im here...

Mee too!

semtex · 10-12-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

I'm pretty sure they do have oil cooling issues. Just because many sports cars do not reach limp mode doesn't mean their oil does not reach critically hot temperatures and damage the engine, unless of course they come with oil coolers, which I believe none of the above cars do.

Do you have any empirical evidence of this that you can point us to?

m4a1mustang · 10-12-2011, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

Depends on what the objective is. If it is getting into a flashy good looking classy sports car, then it's a big downgrade. Mustangs are ugly and about as common as Camrys. Evo and Sti are just a lancer and an impreza with a turbo. If the desire is more practicality, the Evo and STi are big upgrades. Mustang not so much. Yeah it has a pair of useless back seats and a slightly larger trunk. That's about it.

If the objective is straight line performance, Evo and STI are a minor upgrade. They do have the advantage of AWD. Of course, super sticky aftermarket tires on the Z will easily bridge the gap. The Mustang will be a big upgrade in that regard.

If it's about handling and track performance, the Evo and STI are lateral moves. They post laptimes usually about the same as the Z. The Mustang would be a downgrade. They have a heavier and less well balanced chassis than the Z, not to mention prehistoric suspension. Turbocharge the Z and you will have the same power and straightline performance as the Mustang, while retaining a ligher, more nimble, and better balanced chassis with the potential for further adjusting and fine tuning the suspension for improving handling. Let's be honest, there isn't much you can adjust on that solid lump of metal in the back of a Mustang

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I agree with most of this post early on... I have said many time that the z is by far the best looking car in it's price range. If your goal is to be seen in a flashy car, it is tough to beat.

This last paragraph is so full of

I don't even know what to do with it. I guess if your idea of "better balance" is "understeer at all costs", then yes...the z is better balanced.

Edit: nevermind. You're the guy who can't seem to grasp the point of a factory-built racecar, and complaining because it's not twin-turbo....I'll leave this one to someone else.

I'm with Red__Zed here.

When it comes to balance stock-for-stock, the Z has a lot of understeer and the 5.0 is very neutral. It's very well balanced. Better than the Z out of the box. I think you need to get out and drive more to get a good idea of what "balance" is.

Not that you have much credibility, anyways, Pharmacist. You've proven in the past that your knowledge of automobiles leaves a lot to be desired. Your only argument against the Mustang is it's "prehistoric" suspension, even though that prehistoric suspension handles as well as, or in some cases even better than, the Z.

Anyways, continue on ignoring the facts. Enjoy your little fantasy world (where parking right on the line constitutes dead center, as long as you drive a yellow Z.)

Red__Zed · 10-12-2011, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

Do you have any empirical evidence of this that you can point us to?

Of course not. Besides that, pretty much every car comes with an air-to-water cooler at the least. The s2000 had one back in 99....that was such overkill for the car, that even with the stock radiator, 700whp on a stroked out motor converted to closed deck (wreaks havoc on temps), and tons of turbo piping in the engine bay, temps were roughly analogous to the z's, if not slightly cooler...Hit about 260 after 5-9 minutes of driving.

m4a1mustang · 10-12-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingbaby

^^^

Exactly we get all stoked about Subaru for those reasons...that's what I was trying to get to. Some think the Z can fill that void...just doesn't happen. Thus the trade in/selling off of the lonely Z

There really is no "Swiss Army Knife" of a car, especially in the price range most of us are shopping, so there is always going to be some sort of compromise if you can only have one car.

An STI probably gets you pretty close, because it's got practicality, speed, and handling going for it. Looks, obviously, are subjective.

10-12-2011, 12:56 AM	#65 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I've always liked the WRX for it's practicality + fun factor. For a while I wanted one of the bugeyed wagons because it'd be great for hauling bikes and kayaks and all of that jazz. It's pretty cool now that the new WRX has the widebody, which looks really good IMO. I wouldn't mind having one as a DD. It'd be great in winter. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-12-2011, 02:01 AM	#69 (permalink)
RunNgun Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 80 Drives: 2011 370z black AT Rep Power: 14	I was a brief owner of a Z who ultimately had to return it to due a fiasco at the dealership. During my brief stint with the Z there were several unsettling features that began to make me question my purchase. Namely size and noise. I really didnt like how I could hear dirt and pebbles and basically anything on the road hitting the wheel wells if I drove with the stereo off. They felt good, and gave good feedback and made me feel like part of the car, but it was still annoying and felt cheap. I also didnt like having to hold the steering wheel to climb inside, and having to push myself out of the seats when exiting. I'm a normal sized guy, 5'11" 165lbs, but I felt like I was in a toy car. Within my first week of ownership I already ran into a situation where I needed rear seats. I ended up dropping off my wife at home and going back out to grab someone. That was pretty annoying. Lack of interior modification. I think some people have said the Z is basically a fully maxed out car by the time you get it. If you dont like what it has to offer in stock form, then you wont be happy. Everything is just too tightly woven together to upgrade anything at all. I kept scratching my head about some of the interior mods I wanted to perform wondering if I'd ever be able to do it. Once I returned the vehicle I realized that the Z seemed like more of a "fun car" to me. Like a sunday driver. Not very practical for daily use, but great for playing around in. As a result I have shifted my attentions over to a Mustang 5.0, namely due to increased interior room and comfort. I still remember sitting down inside one for the first time last weekend, and I literally uttered a sigh of relief, saying "wow". The car just felt so roomy coming from the Z. Visibility was outstanding, I basically felt like I was back at home in my sedan again but with 420hp. These are HUGE plusses for me, despite the fact I am more in love with the Z overall. I can also get more bang for my buck, plus the mods. I'll tell you, every time I look at pictures of a Z my heart swells, and every time I look at pictures of a 5.0 my heart sinks. Ford makes a pretty car, but Nissan hit the nail on the head. The Z is a beautiful car, I just wish it were a little bigger and a lot quieter. Appearance isnt everything, so point for point I think I have to let it go and move to another vehicle. Last edited by RunNgun; 10-12-2011 at 02:08 AM.