So I test-drove a 370Z today .....
07-30-2013, 03:12 PM
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So I test-drove a 370Z today .....
I've only had my S2000 for three weeks, and half that time I had it on jackstands doing the fluid changes, buffing out the paint etc. But I've grown to really like it already.
But, I saw a 370Z roadster at a car show this past weekend and I thought ... hmmm, more torque, factory nav and real cup holders for the wife. So, a 370 coupe showed up at the local Nissan dealer (2009 with about the same mileage as my S2K).
Took it for a drive about an hour ago. It's not a bad car. The interior is more up to date. The shift linkage has about the same throw as the Honda.
BUT, it is an 8 or 9 in every category compared to my S2K. Not even that good in some. The gear spacings are goofy .... the downshift from 3 to 2 results in way too high a jump in engine speed, and puts the revs right where most magazine articles complain about the harshness. And it is harsh!
You can also feel the increase in mass of the vehicle, especially at initial turn-in. No go-kart in the Nissan bloodlines.
While scooting around under my S2K on a creeper, cleaning, examining etc, I came to appreciate the simple and thorough design (I am a retired automotive engineer). The 370 on the other hand, has an array of mickey-mouse add-on brackets, stiffeners and what not connecting things together underneath. Like a testament of development over design.
My one complaint about my Honda is the lack of exhaust note (stock system so far), but the Nissan wasn't any better (also stock system).
No thanks, I'll keep the Honda!
But, I saw a 370Z roadster at a car show this past weekend and I thought ... hmmm, more torque, factory nav and real cup holders for the wife. So, a 370 coupe showed up at the local Nissan dealer (2009 with about the same mileage as my S2K).
Took it for a drive about an hour ago. It's not a bad car. The interior is more up to date. The shift linkage has about the same throw as the Honda.
BUT, it is an 8 or 9 in every category compared to my S2K. Not even that good in some. The gear spacings are goofy .... the downshift from 3 to 2 results in way too high a jump in engine speed, and puts the revs right where most magazine articles complain about the harshness. And it is harsh!
You can also feel the increase in mass of the vehicle, especially at initial turn-in. No go-kart in the Nissan bloodlines.
While scooting around under my S2K on a creeper, cleaning, examining etc, I came to appreciate the simple and thorough design (I am a retired automotive engineer). The 370 on the other hand, has an array of mickey-mouse add-on brackets, stiffeners and what not connecting things together underneath. Like a testament of development over design.
My one complaint about my Honda is the lack of exhaust note (stock system so far), but the Nissan wasn't any better (also stock system).
No thanks, I'll keep the Honda!
07-30-2013, 03:21 PM
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07-30-2013, 06:16 PM
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Mine's a 2005, white as well. What color is your interior? I thought I would dislike the "light show" instrument cluster, but I don't even think about it, I'm finding. Love the handling.
07-30-2013, 06:27 PM
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Good choice OP!
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07-30-2013, 06:45 PM
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I have tan interior =) The car has about 113K miles on it so it shows some wear and tear but with a little TLC it'll be good as new! My favorite car I've owned by far.
