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Whats the difference Z or Zx

SMUSICMANS
SMUSICMANS
in Open Chit Chat

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comment_85495
Originally posted by SMUSICMANS

How many other people have a z car as a first?

When I was 16 I had a 310 and a 240Z. The 310 got me to work so I could make money for the Z. So I can relate to having a Z as a first car (sort of). I also had a 1979 280ZX for a short while at 18. We are all not insulting you on your car choice. Its simply a matter of personal preference. Yes the ZX has a great drivetrain but its more luxury than sport. Being heavier its not as quick nor agile but if you have wads of money to throw at it, it could be. I liked the ZX for longer distance driving because it was quieter and softer sprung. But again, its personal choice. I totalled the ZX after only 2 months so it never really "sank in" as a favorite car. DRUNK DRIVERS SUCK is about all I'll say regarding the ZX's demise. I do appreciate the car for what it is in the history of "Z's" but the original body style is what does it for me. When you go into the garage and see it sitting there and you smile and feel a nice warm calm wash over you, you know you've got what you want. I'll stop being mushy now!!:love: Most people think I'm off my rocker but if its any Datsun/Nissan, I will appreciate it a lot more than most of the other brands out there. I had a butt ugly 200SX with a wicked little L20B in it. Ugly, but it sure was fun! Its whatever makes you happy!!

Chris

comment_85563

My first was the 240Z, and to be honest I think I'm lucky I didn't prang it at all. Especially in that period with bald tyres.... But however, a Z for a first car isn't that big a deal really. Guys roll around in cars MUCH more expensive than these cars for their first car. No one drives a better car, though. :love:

Well, almost no one. :classic: :classic: :classic:

(im self-dillusional btw)

comment_85591
Originally posted by Alfadog

Guys roll around in cars MUCH more expensive than these cars for their first car.

Yeah, I went to high school with this son of a heart surgeon, the kid drove a black 911 (no turbo). Whoopdi friggin doo!! He trashed the car simply because he coulndt drive a stick to save his A_S!! :stupid: By the end of senior year he was driving a Chevy Suburban with a lift kit and big exhaust. Again, whoopdi friggin doo!!

Chris

comment_85597

Since nobody but Carl really tried to answer the original question of this thread, and I have been out of town, I'll put on the bullseye and cary on a while!

The primary differences between the Z and ZX are aimed at changing the percieved level of comfort.

The Z was made to be a sports car first-it was purpose built with the reigns held by accountants. It is not particularly comfortable, quiet, or spacious, but it gives a great feeling of connection to the road, you can feel where the car is relative to its capabilities and your driving habits, It is also one of the most beautiful cars there is.

The 280ZX was built to add comfort to the Z, it has lounge chairs, surround sound, T-tops, more room, was intended to be quiet inside, fewer blindspots, more stability at high speed, a more compliant and a cheeper to produce suspension. It is like driving a nimble recliner in your living room. Nissan added more power, and a closer ratio transmission to try to keep the performance in line with the Z. The design also included a pronounced effort to reduce the propensity of the car to rust relative to the S30. A great deal more was spent on development, and Datsun wanted to please more people with the car, so they added a hunk of Americanism to the car-it is much more like an 80s Cadillac-Fat, Dum, and Happy! You don't feel the connection to the road, you are well insulated from it.

Those are not bad things. Not everyone wants a car that lets you feel a dime when your tire rolls over it. Not everyone realizes that the guitar rock from the 70s is the right pitch to be accompanied by the sound of an angry in-line six! Some people would rather listen to Guitarless mustic, hear most of it, and camp out on a recliner.

I have both, and I prefer to ZZip around town, and take short trips in the 240Z. The 280ZX is for the long trips, the beach, and the parkinglots. It is not nearly as responsive as the 240Z, nor does it attract as much attention. The 240Z is for sheer driving enjoyment, the 280ZX is to make the trip more comfortable by removing the dynamics of the same drive in a 240Z-there is a huge diference between comfort and enjoyment-though they are intermingled.

From the factory, A Z is a drivers car, and a ZX is a travelers car. Both are great cars-they were built for different views of what is important. Get one, and make it fit your view.

Will

comment_85603
Originally posted by ChrisA...its more luxury than sport. Being heavier its not as quick nor agile but if you have wads of money to throw at it, it could be. I liked the ZX for longer distance driving because it was quieter and softer sprung.
Originally posted by hls30.comSince nobody but Carl really tried to answer the original question of this thread

Is this thing on?

Chris

comment_85637

I have one of each a 76Z and a 83ZX turbo. They are both wonderful cars. Each has its own great points. The Z is small, quick, nimble a lot of fun to drive. The ZX is larger, really quick and also a lot of fun to drive. The best way to compare then is to think of old muscle cars. The Z would be like a old Dodge with a Hemi, It has a lot of power but very little sound insulation, or options such as power steering, power windows, ect. The ZX would be a 72 GTO with a 455, bigger, more complex, with lots of available options, power steering, power windows, cruise ect. I use these 2 muscle cars because I have also owned both of these. The Z is a nascar ride basic, the ZX is an Indy Car advanced cutting edge. But either is better than anything else on the road today

Tim Spivey

1976 280Z

1983 280ZX turbo

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