280Z Vs. 240Z Handling

[Freerider]

Ok, heres my situation, Where I live (ontario) 240Z's are about 15000 but I can get a 280Z for about 5000. Both being in the same condition, heres my question. Is there a big noticable difference in handling between the two cars? can you feel the extra weight and softer suspension? and is the 240 worth the extra 10000? I know the 240Z will handle better but what I dont know is how much better. Where does the extra weight of the 280 come from?

Thanks

Chris

[sblake01]

Take it from a 280 owner, if you want the crisp handling, get a 240. (I have owned both) You'll spend a lot of time, effort, and money trying to make a 280 handle like a 240 and probably won't ever achieve that goal. You might get somewhere in the ballpark if you strip it down to the basics but the 280 is simply a heavier, softer sprung, more consumerish type of car.

[TomoHawk]

The 280Z is supposed to be a luxury sports car. Probably safer from all the extra sheet metal.

[Freerider]

lookis like ill have to buy a 240 then thanks guys

[Gav240z]

are you talking about a 280Z or 280ZX?

[Freerider]

I'm talking about the 280Z. Oh and how si the 260 for handling? somewhere between the 240 and the 280?

[Gav240z]

Yeah the 260z is very similar to the 240z. A little bit heavier but not all that much. In Australia we didn't get the 280z so I have never driven one and couldn't say if they are alot worse off in handling or not.

When it comes to early S30's the 240z is generally considered cream of the crop FWIW.

[260DET]

Mine is a '77 260 and I prefer that to the lighter 240. The '77 has a lot of detail improvement over the earlier cars such as stronger front X member and struts. But then mine has a turbo engine so the little extra weight is not a straight line performance problem.

By the sound of it the US 280's must have had softer suspension than the earlier models.

[beandip]

Freerider, It all depends on what you want the car for. The 240 is a basic sports car no frills bells or whistles. They handel but ride stiff. The 280s are heaver but still perform vary well. The 280 is fuel injected and there fore more complicated . The 280z look like the 240 up till the '79 The 240Z is more collectable only if kept stock and because they were the first also because there are fewer of them . The 260Z gets a bum rap as well as the '73 because of poor carberation . If earlier SU "round topps " are subistuted the car is fine. The difference in weight is only a couple of hundred pounds, mostly emissions and bumpers. When looking at a Z to buy, look closely for rust , the one most costly item to repair is rust. It results in body rot. Gary

[Zrush]

The 280Z is supposed to be a luxury sports car. Probably safer from all the extra sheet metal.

I disagree on that. The 280ZX yes, but the 280Z is not a luxury sports car by any means. Compare the 78 to the 79, then you'll see what luxury, for that era, is.

Vicky

[Gav240z]

That was what i was thinking Vicky!

However I have not driven a 280z so therefore I can't comment.

I have driven a 280zx and let me tell you "BIG Difference" in handling.

[240ZX]

Freerider, if you are paying $15K for a 240Z you should expect it to be in excellent condition! No rust, no worn out parts, I mean a cherry of a ride. Before you put out any $$$ have someone very familiar with Z cars check it out. Like I said....at $15K you should expect a damn near perfect condition car. Just my 2 cents worth.