youngjun91

First of all, I want to preface this by saying that I have respect for most

SuperKool

I drove a G35 at the streets of willow for a few hot lap not to long ago. It's a great car.
Coming form the S2, it was a bit heavy, and required much more steering input than the S2, but it's a very stable car. I really liked it, and I think for everyday/track use, it would be fine. It is set up for comfort, so the family would like it too.

Good luck, I'm sure if you end up with the G35 you won't be unhappy, unless you really want that pure sports car performance that the s2 comes close to providing.

payneinthe

You won't find too many people on here that are into magazine racing. This is racing AND competition. You'd think the 2 would always go together, but evidently not.

The 350Z platform has significant problems with front camber/understeer. If you just want to take it out a couple times for fun, it is fine. If you really want to be fast, you'll be cursing your purchase in no time flat.

jerrypeterson

The Best Motoring videos are obviously staged so I wouldn't place any conviction upon their results. With the same driver I've seen a difference of six seconds per lap with the same car in two different videos. Rain couldn't even have that kind of impact on laptimes. Ever notice how the new car is always placed in front? Ever noticed a 'camera car' inserted into the grid to block the other cars?

Great entertainment but definitely lacking substance.

The differential for the 350Z and G35 are significantly different units. While similar platforms, I have a suspicion they behave quite differently on the track. Additionally, heavy cars require a larger budget for tires and brakes. Weight introduces a number of trade offs often including mechanical maintence. Ask around, the attribute most cherished by the racer crowd is the absence of weight. Starting with a boat means you will be swimming.

For your first few schools it doesn't matter what you drive! Spend some time getting the basics down. Seriously buy a four seater! There is no point beginning a fued with the family and throwing all practicality to the wind. The second step would be to buy a car that you can afford to have breakdown, catch fire, and/or crash. When I say crash, I mean more than once. Buy a dedicated track car, it will be a no brainer once you get the bug.

Good luck.

shingles

The other thing to consider is this: while two cars may show roughly the same time around a course, the lighter car will generally be easier to drive.

Bullitt44

I have a video camera, S2000, stop watch and live 1.5 hours from beaver run. Find me a 350Z and a G35 and I will come back with results!

youngjun91

[QUOTE=jerrypeterson,Sep 3 2004, 10:24 AM] The Best Motoring videos are obviously staged so I wouldn't place any conviction upon their results.

youngjun91

Very cool. That's a great offer, thanks!

payneinthe

Damnit, don't you guys take a hint? Take it to Car Talk. This has NOTHING to do with racing or competition.

Ludedude

Here's a datapoint from just today at Streets Of Willow

350Z (intake/exhaust, full suspension, big brake kit, r compounds, aftermarket wheels) 1:34.5

S2000 (intake/exhaust, stock suspension, r compounds, brake pads, stock rims) 1:33.8

Imagine the possibilities if I put bigger rubber and a suspension on the S