Nothing special about the 350z?

[Rockr69]

I guess you either like it or you don't, just don't bug on me if I do.

[daddz]

I love all Z's even the S31 and the the early 300's, Z31? Correct me if I'm wrong on that. What I'm saying is all these Z owners with their 71's and 2 240's sometimes make me feel like my 76 280 is a lesser vehicle. Reminds me of some Porsche owners, as if my z is not good enough for them. AT least Porsche owners don't care if it's a 356a or Carrera GT, they love them all, like I do with Z's. I even love the snooty guys 71's and 2's and even the Hybrids, so what does it matter if Nissan is successful with the automotive world with the 350, they did all right with me.

By S31 I think you meant to say S130=280ZX; the S31 is a model that in Japan refers to the fuel injected L20 six cylinder engine coupled to a 260Z bodyshell (skinny bumpers and 280Z style dashboard).

While Porsche owners are generally forgiving lot let us not forget the noise from them concerning Porsche's decision to produce the 928 and the 924/944 series and they did not like the 914 either. Time tends to soften the harsh reactions showered upon those models. Porsche intended the 928 to replace the 911 and they quickly discovered that was not going to be the case.

If the marketing focus groups conducted by Nissan in the United States had been populated by similar minded enthusiasts then Nissan might have stuck with the original S30 boyshell and applied continuous improvements in the Porshce idiom. The problem was that these focus groups complained of heavy steering in the 280Z and the lack of "creature comforts" like power windows. Couple that mentality to Nissan's correct prediction that with the currency exchnage rates being what they were in the late 1970's and Nissan designed the S130 to walk through a doorway which led to increased profit per unit. This was something the dealer's were always keen to exploit.

We were the victims of our own doing and we got the car we deserved. Don't get me wrong I own an example of each of the generations except the Z32 and I do enjoy driving them all but for different reasons.

[Mckrack]

ahh I thought I said I had a 350z Anniversary edition and I also said it was the best sports car right now for the money. So I don't think any one is bugging on you. The plain truth unless I am wrong is that Nissan has not done so well with sales of the 350z and that I believe is just plain fact Dan. Nissan did not do their due diligence in market resarch as intimated in other posts. They went the cheap way out and used the designs from another car in their Infiniti line up. My estimation they made a huge mistake now that they see the Mustang, and others. As for Porsche I had a Boxter and I didn't much like it so at least for me a Porsche enthusiast as well I don't like every Porsche introduced to the market. Now the Porsche I have now is a phenominal vehicle and may be one of the best cars I have ever had. But you know what If I had the choice the Porsche would go and my series one Z would stay.

[sblake01]

Success for Nissan does not matter to me...............................

I guess you either like it or you don't, just don't bug on me if I do.

I get your point. That's basically how I feel except don't care much for anything after the S30. Nissan's present day success or lack thereof has nothing to do with that.

[jmark]

Here's a traslated article of Nismo Z vs. Porsche Cayman S from the latest Z Magazine Volume 4 from the my350Z page. Thanks to gsazabi. I thought it was cool & it sorted reminded me of the 240Z & 911 comparos.

The article is written in the journalist's point of view (driving Nismo). The track tested is Japan's famous Tsukuba Circuit.

'Superiority Complex of 1.361 Second'

"I'm catching up, I'm catching up, I'm catching up!" From the cockpit of the Nismo Z, I can see the Porsche Cayman S ahead, driven by LeMans 24 Hour winner and Kondo Racing's Super GT 500 class driver Seiji Ara.

From the first corner to the first hairpin, the distance between two cars widen, however, the gap shrinks quickly back because of the torque range difference.

Turning into Dunlop corner, the two cars get separated a bit again. However,

by long coener of 80R they're bumper to bumper.

Amazing that Nismo Z driven by amateur can keep up with a Porsche driven by a racing driver.

This machine is very good on corners. When the Cayman realized Nismo Z's potential, it was a huge surprise.

Ara, stunned that the Nismo Z driven by amateur is right up on Cayman's tail,

took the last corner with insane speed and didn't even engage the brakes.

-NO WAY!-

The Cayman's rear end broke loose. With high pitch screech from the tires it straightened out on the main straight.

Absolutely stunned, I just trailed him slowly in the Nismo Z.

Cayman's time was 1'8" flat. Ara announced, "That's the fastest it'll go."

However, afterwards Ara drove the Nismo Z again and recorded 1'66". The difference was 1.316".

Ara noted that he's done 1'57" in the Nismo Z in better conditions.

Given the condition of the day, Ara already expected about 1.5" slower laptimes.

Either way, in a head to head battle around Tsukuba Circuit, the Nismo Z crushes the Cayman S.

'Pros and Cons of Version Nismo and Porsche Cayman S'

The Cayman S is ranked right under the 911 Carrera. Some people might say, "Porsche is 911, right?"

But there is a reason why this machine was chosen as an opponent of Nismo Z. First off, it has similar output with 3387cc, 295ps engine. It also has similar dimentions.(skipped the numbers)

The Cayman S weights in at 1410kg. Compared to it the Nismo Z has 100kg disadvantage but also has 19ps more.

Furthermore, it has opposite level mid-ship mounted 6 cylinder engine to be able to fight on same level.

Cayman gets the same Rear Engine Rear Drive(RR) layout that Porsche's been working on for a long time.

However, this is the con of Cayman. Porsche's top model is still the 911, and Cayman will be never given an engine of 911's standard.

Ara explains, "With this layout tweaked and elaborated more, this car can become a wonderful machine.

The rear suspension and strut didn't have a problem at all. The overall package is still wonderful."

The best part of the Porsche is its braking performance, in which Ara quotes, "Outstanding! No complaints whatsoever.

This is the only weak part of the Nismo Z."

Therefore, they're first-class worthy opponents against each other. Mostly, this Cayman S is equipped with Porsche ceramic carbon brake front piston, rear piston aluminimum mono block caliper(optional at whopping $14,300!).

It also comes with Porsche Active Suspension Management(PASM) which includes Sport Mode with adjustable dampers.

The tires on Nismo Z is Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R, and the Cayman is equipped Advan Sport. Both tires have their strong and weak points.

"You should experience it", Ara exclaims. "The Cayman is a really solid sports car. The feeling is incredible. Compared to the same Mid-Ship NSX, it is nervous and more predictable."

Only part that makes the driver nervous is that it's a rather expensive sports car that's called Porsche.

On the other hand, the Nismo Z will not make the driver feel as nervous as it is half the price of the Porsche.

Overall, the car (except for the brakes) is awesome.

Was there ever a time when a Japanese car could be compared with a world standard car such as Porsche?

To be able to get this kind of machine for almost half the price is the best thing ever.

[ChrisA]

Was there ever a time when a Japanese car could be compared with a world standard car such as Porsche?

To be able to get this kind of machine for almost half the price is the best thing ever.

Hi Mark, I love the above quote and I hope you love the car. Can't wait for pictures!!

Chris

[jmark]

Thanks Chris. The quote reminded me of the 240Z. Pics up soon.

[daddz]

I added up the sales figures for the 350Z a couple of weeks ago and the total was about 130,000 since 2003. The Nissan news site no longer lists sales for the 2002 model year so expect that figure to be a bit higher.

Is that a good sales record? Given the number of choices in the segment I would say it has been a success for Nissan. Typical of all cars the sales have been trailing off at a predictable rate and they should expect to top about 21,000 units this year. Compare this to 36,728 units in 2003 and this is to be expected.

The next generation Z car will have to shed some weight and gain some styling if Nissan wants to keep the Z car dynasty alive.

[1972zed]

At least its a Z. a few years ago, there was no Z-Car in Nissan's stable.

Id rather there be a 350z than no Z at all.

[John Coffey]

Here's a traslated article of Nismo Z vs. Porsche Cayman S from the latest Z Magazine Volume 4 from the my350Z page.

Having driven a Caymen S and my own 2006 base 350Z on a race track, I can only cough "bullshit" when referring to track comparison aspects of that article.

[jmark]

Having driven a Caymen S and my own 2006 base 350Z on a race track, I can only cough "bullshit" when referring to track comparison aspects of that article.

You haven't driven a Nismo Z. Even Sam M. from R & T said in his early drive of the Nismo Z the car was very close to the Cayman S. Can't beat the Z for the price. I picked my Nismo Z up today & I am very impressed. Alot more car than my 03 Track and very well put together. The 07 motor revs alot more freely. John with your expertise I think you would really like the Nismo Z. MC over at my350z has driven 4 different Caymans and really like his new Nismo Z.

[jmark]

Nice wallpaper of a Nismo Z in red. Mine is Silver Alloy. Got mine last Thursday. Serial # 0007! In short the car is superb. Here is what I said on another site.

The car is superb. Not sure if you have driven or seen one yet. If you get a chance do it. Pics don't come close to showing the stance of the car. The cars look is unlike anything on the road right now. Everyone that sees it is blown away by it & wants to know where to get one. The great thing is Nissan has refined this car alot over the years. The way it drives is even better than its looks. The handling is top notch but still maintains a decent ride. The new HR motor revs much more freely and the fit & finish is very nice. I really wonder if since this car has the extra chassis welding if they take a little extra time on the assembly/paint. The gearbox is much smoother and the clutch take up lighter. The sound the exhaust makes will have me driving with the windows down! I have not found anything I would change. She's a keeper. The car is much more than what's on the spec sheet. It is what the Track model should have been all along. I have owned quite a few sports cars and this is the best one I have ever owned. The Nismo Z has the soul of the old 240Z for sure.