Car Talk - Non S2000 General Motoring and Non S2000 Car Talk

350z rant

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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:35 AM
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I rented one in the states for a week and did 1600+ miles in it. I really liked it and miss it! The car is definitely faster than the S2000 it topped out at 148mph! I never got my s2000 over about 130mph and it scares me above about 120mph, but the Z feels very stable at high speeds you can sit on 120mph without realising it.

The Z is definitely great for driving motorways in USA and the inevitable (and lega?) switching lanes you need to keep up a decent speed with all the SUV's clogging the fast lane. You put your foot down and the power is there and it handles like a sports car not a vectra on steroids. Compared to the s2000 it is really liveable on a day to day basis and for touring. Theres loads of places to put stuff and a really cool boot that goes thru to behind the seats. The cabin is quiet even when you are caning it and and the sound system is really clear with 2 big speakers behind each seat if you like to feel your bass!

Its definitely sporty and soo much better handling and feeling than the mustang I rented in US before or anything else I have rented there. With the traction control I couldn't get it to slide at all which is comforting to have when driving in bad weather. You can turn the traction control off and the car will let go easier than the S and is easier to catch. If I had to have one car and I was doing long trips and especially on motorways I would swap my s2000 for a 350z I think, in an ideal world I think I would have both! I haven't got back in my s2000 to compare because its still being supercharged but I can definitel say the s2000 is a much more intense experience to drive (and requires more concentration). I would say the s2000 is way more suited to track and b road driving although I didn't get the chance to try a Z in england. The Z is really *nice*, fun and practical sportscar and get a bit of attention, it is a cool car! girls like this car too! my girlfriend in USA fell in love with it and wouldn't let me drive when she was in it!. The s2000 in comparison is way less *nice* and practical and probably not so cool but way more driver focused and much more of a thrill and thats what I am after in a car right now!


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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 09:46 AM
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The Z is currently top of my list for a change next year.
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:06 AM
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I like them too, but they never get a good write up on here! Ive yet to try one so cant comment...

MB
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:18 AM
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I like my virtual Nismo 350Z in Test Drive Unlimited - not sure about changing to a non convertible (couldn't buy the 350Z convertible - it's just wrong). What are residuals like ?
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 10:39 AM
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had a short test drive in a 350Z on monday there - only about 15 mins. was a 55 plate and had the newer 296bhp engine.

quite liked it. thought the engine was especially nice. stick your foot down and it picks up really well at low revs in all gears - was a very strange sensation after being used to giving the S the revs.

didn't like the interior that much - it's ok - but lots of plastic on show and does feel slighlty thrown together - they could do much more with it imo. the three gauges in the centre of the dash facing the driver are a nice touch though - liked those.

the gearbox also didn't feel as sweet as the S. but show me one that is!

handling wise it did feel very planted - although i didn't get much opportunity to test that.

didn't find the seats as comfy as the S2000 but i guess it would just take a while to get used to them - was the same with the S to be fair.

i'd definitely need a longer test drive before i considered buying one.

but it definitely didn't grab me by the bollocks and say "i'm the next car for you big boy".

it's still definitely a maybe on this car.

trying to change from the S is an absolute nightmare!!!
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Dark Blue Mark,Sep 13 2006, 07:06 PM
I like them too, but they never get a good write up on here! Ive yet to try one so cant comment...

MB
When I'm next in Bournemouth (next two weeks I think) you can have a spin (not literally) in mine.
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:10 AM
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That would be good Rich.

Let me know when you're around

MB
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 11:48 AM
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An 350Z and VX220 turbo is on my 'next' list, however i want a convertible and i think the 350z looks crap as a roadster but good as a non roadster version
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:39 PM
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I like the 350Z. Not as much as a hoot as the S2000 but just as capable imho. I really liked the engine when I drove it. Deceptively quick.
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Old Sep 13, 2006 | 12:55 PM
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I rented one in the states for a week and did 1600+ miles in it. I really liked it and miss it! The car is definitely faster than the S2000 it topped out at 148mph! I never got my s2000 over about 130mph and it scares me above about 120mph, but the Z feels very stable at high speeds you can sit on 120mph without realising it.
Eh? I've been over 140 with the roof down and whilst 'fresh' the car felt perfectly stable. I've knocked on the door of 160 with the roof up and she got there pretty quickly too
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