Quick Thoughts: 350z vs. Mustang
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Quick Thoughts: 350z vs. Mustang
Am I alone in thinking that the 350z and the Mustang GT are pretty similar? Both cars have loads of torque and about 300 horsepower. Neither really FEELS as fast as they really are unless you're accelerating out of a turn and both weigh quite a bit. The front of both cars both lurch into the air when they accelerate and dip like Arnold Schwarzenegger at the gym in his 20's when they brake. Sure the Z might handle a little more nicely (probably because it's suspension design doesn't date back to the Oregon Trail) but ultimately both cars still feel pretty bulky.
I guess the bottom line is that because they're both rather large/bulky cars with high horsepower and high TORQUE engines, they inevitably drive similarly. I realize that this comparison is rather subjective and not very technical but isn't that what a sports car (NOT race car) is all about? Not really the numbers it can produce (though they produce a good basis for comparison) but how they make the driver feel?
With this in mind, I feel like the s2000 then occupies a rather unique niche, especially in its price range, that offers a pretty raw connection between the driver and the road. It's fast enough to have fun--something I personally can't say for the Miata--and nimble enough to make everyday driving enjoyable.
I guess the bottom line is that because they're both rather large/bulky cars with high horsepower and high TORQUE engines, they inevitably drive similarly. I realize that this comparison is rather subjective and not very technical but isn't that what a sports car (NOT race car) is all about? Not really the numbers it can produce (though they produce a good basis for comparison) but how they make the driver feel?
With this in mind, I feel like the s2000 then occupies a rather unique niche, especially in its price range, that offers a pretty raw connection between the driver and the road. It's fast enough to have fun--something I personally can't say for the Miata--and nimble enough to make everyday driving enjoyable.
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I've been saying this same thing for quite a while. To me, a 350Z is basically a better designed Mustang. It's easy to draw a comparison between the two. An S2000 is a different vehical all together.
Unless you're really competeing in a race series, what's the most important factor in buying a "toy" car. In my opinion, it's how much pleasure it gives the driver. I don't think there is a more fun to drive vehicle under $50k. If it wasn't for Lotus, I'd say there isn't a more fun to drive vehicle under $100k.
The only thing I disagree about is Miatas. Miatas are incredibly fun to drive and with the turbocharged Mazdaspeed edition, they're pretty quick too.
Unless you're really competeing in a race series, what's the most important factor in buying a "toy" car. In my opinion, it's how much pleasure it gives the driver. I don't think there is a more fun to drive vehicle under $50k. If it wasn't for Lotus, I'd say there isn't a more fun to drive vehicle under $100k.
The only thing I disagree about is Miatas. Miatas are incredibly fun to drive and with the turbocharged Mazdaspeed edition, they're pretty quick too.
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