on net, the addition of the convertable roof and associated structual changes certainly increases the wieght...
but i'm not sure it'd swing nearly 300 more pounds to the rear of the vehicle, Mike
besides, less weight with worse balance is still faster than more wieght with slightly better balance...

 

0.475*3300 lbs=1567.5 lbs +200 to the car (50 front/150 rear) 1717.5 lbs
1717.5/3500 49%
The new beetle convertible comes in at 3200 lbs, 300 more than the coupe.
G35 coupe (from car and driver)3485 lbs, 54.1,45.9 f/r %e

 

He's right...don't buy the 350Z unles you check out the G35 first.

BUT, about the G35 being more expensive--
my sister just bought a G35 for $35K. They had PLENTY in stock at the Infinity dealership. The Nissan Dealership here had only 2 Z's and want $42K and $43K!!!!! (markup like a *****)
Of course she went with the G35--$8K less expensive AND more luxurious? There's no question. :D

 

LOLOLOLOLOL!!! :D

 

Well put! :D

 

[insert pig smiley here] :D

 

Seconded....I would rather you go try out Infiniti G35 Coupe for that price.

With regards to RX8, the styling and engine chasis is totally a different design....no comparison in this case...

The 350Z is a nice ride no doubt.....since you're so set....congrats on the choice

I've owned a 92 Z32 TT and have had a fun time with her

Greetings!
Heavenscent

 

So much for your Gaidas!


The G35 Coupe was reviewed on Car and Driver TV today. They summed it up by saying the G35 out "Z's" the "Z".

 

Which is pretty sad considering that the Z was intended to do what the G35C delivers on :p

By the way, what channel does C&D TV come on?

Thanks!

 

TNN down here in Tampa Bay Home of the Superbowl Champs!!! ;-)

 

Hi, I am new to the forum BTW, but I just ordered my RX-8 on Saturday, and the dealer told me late April... Maybe it was just a sales tactic.

 

Thanks a lot

 

I don't think that claim is unrealistic. Certainly optimisitic, but with vehicles potentially coming off the line in late may, it could happen ::crossing fingers::

 

The 350Z/G35 Coupe are a bit nose heavy and will sashay their tails when provoked. Futher evidence of this is the difference in tire size front to rear. But they have the most wonderful Vehicle Dynamic Control I've seen yet (as good as or better then the Stabilitrak 2 stability control in the Corvettes and worlds better than the stability control in the M5).

It is a 'soft' control unlike the German's 'hard' control. The M5 can't be launched w/o turning traction control off, it refuses to spin a rear tire or let the back end step-out. The Stabilitrak software allows some movement but then 'catches'. The 350Z and G35 alows a bit of step-out and then 'catches' the oversteer in a very fluid fashion.

Given my druthers I'd take the G35 over the Z. It's a bit more refined. But the RX-8, on paper, looks like the better machine for a number of reasons that belong in another post. I haven't done a good debrief of my editor's time in the RX-8. Hopefully this weekend.

BTW, my Miata would oversteer at the drop of the hat until we had the toe out in the rear wheels corrected. ;-)

 

Yeah, that's the thing when you are talking about oversteer/understeer with a car that's as balanced as a Miata. Oversteer/understeer is more affected by things like alignment, tire pressures, and most importantly, driving style.

---jps

 

This topic has wandered quite a bit, but in California at least a car deposit is fully refundable at any time prior to driving the car off the lot. Salesmen will tell you different of course--they don't want you to walk away from a sale.
________
M54