Since were often talking about how other $35K Sports Cars like the S2000 stack up to the NSX, here's a heads up on the newest entry into the field, the Nissan 350z.
Taken from August 2002 Issue:
"We're delighted to report that this hardware makes for more than an impressive spec sheet. How does this sound: 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 101 mph? How about 0.88 g of cornering stick, a stopping distance from 70 mph to standstill in 164 feet, and a top speed of 156 mph? That's essentially the same performance as a Porsche Boxster S, which has a base price of more than 50 grand."
For those not in the know, the 350z comes stock with a 3.5L V-6 making 287HP and 264ft/lbs. of torque. Redline is 6500rpm, and curb weight on the car C and D tested was 3322lbs. Front-Mid engine layout, 6-speed transmission.
This particular review was written by the Editor-In-Chief at the magazine, Csaba Csere, who has done his fair share of wheel to wheel SCCA racing.
"Most important, the steering is direct, linear, and beautifully weighted. The thick-rimmed, cast-magnesium three-spoke wheel provides a seductive combination of stability and immediate responsiveness. As you bend into a corner, the Z carves a smooth line with the exact radius that you command. Turn up the cornering speed, and the tires just bite harder into the pavement, with very little extra steering input required. As you approach the edge of the grip envelope, however, the Z will resolutely understeer. Only at low speeds, in the lower gears, can you use power to kick out the tail."
Generally it's a very favorable review, but it's not all wine and roses for the newest Japanese sports car. Here's a counterpoint from another longtime C and D writer, Larry Webster:
"At less than 27 grand, the [base] 350Z is a helluva car. At $35,000 [track], I'm thinking I'd rather beg a Chevy dealer to cut me a sweetheart deal on a Vette. I should be gaga for this thing, but I'm not. Perhaps because the expectation of brilliance isn't quite realized. The rear flanks are gorgeous, but the rectangular backup-light cluster and the front grille don't fit, and an aggressive rev limiter steps in abruptly if one strays over the redline. The handling is crisp at turn-in, but then the Z resolutely plows the front end, forgoing any notion of an agile, tossable car. Some sedans are better balanced. I expect more from a sports car."
The track version of the 350z that they tested comes with 18" lightweight Rays wheels, Brembo brakes, lightweight cloth seats, and a host of smaller upgrades.
Final Highs and Lows from the piece:
"Highs: Excellent performance, terrific control feel, exciting styling inside and out."
"Lows: Could stand to lose a couple hundred pounds and gain a more melodious engine note."
"The Verdict: A terrific sports-car value in a class all by itself."
Taken from August 2002 Issue:
"We're delighted to report that this hardware makes for more than an impressive spec sheet. How does this sound: 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 101 mph? How about 0.88 g of cornering stick, a stopping distance from 70 mph to standstill in 164 feet, and a top speed of 156 mph? That's essentially the same performance as a Porsche Boxster S, which has a base price of more than 50 grand."
For those not in the know, the 350z comes stock with a 3.5L V-6 making 287HP and 264ft/lbs. of torque. Redline is 6500rpm, and curb weight on the car C and D tested was 3322lbs. Front-Mid engine layout, 6-speed transmission.
This particular review was written by the Editor-In-Chief at the magazine, Csaba Csere, who has done his fair share of wheel to wheel SCCA racing.
"Most important, the steering is direct, linear, and beautifully weighted. The thick-rimmed, cast-magnesium three-spoke wheel provides a seductive combination of stability and immediate responsiveness. As you bend into a corner, the Z carves a smooth line with the exact radius that you command. Turn up the cornering speed, and the tires just bite harder into the pavement, with very little extra steering input required. As you approach the edge of the grip envelope, however, the Z will resolutely understeer. Only at low speeds, in the lower gears, can you use power to kick out the tail."
Generally it's a very favorable review, but it's not all wine and roses for the newest Japanese sports car. Here's a counterpoint from another longtime C and D writer, Larry Webster:
"At less than 27 grand, the [base] 350Z is a helluva car. At $35,000 [track], I'm thinking I'd rather beg a Chevy dealer to cut me a sweetheart deal on a Vette. I should be gaga for this thing, but I'm not. Perhaps because the expectation of brilliance isn't quite realized. The rear flanks are gorgeous, but the rectangular backup-light cluster and the front grille don't fit, and an aggressive rev limiter steps in abruptly if one strays over the redline. The handling is crisp at turn-in, but then the Z resolutely plows the front end, forgoing any notion of an agile, tossable car. Some sedans are better balanced. I expect more from a sports car."
The track version of the 350z that they tested comes with 18" lightweight Rays wheels, Brembo brakes, lightweight cloth seats, and a host of smaller upgrades.
Final Highs and Lows from the piece:
"Highs: Excellent performance, terrific control feel, exciting styling inside and out."
"Lows: Could stand to lose a couple hundred pounds and gain a more melodious engine note."
"The Verdict: A terrific sports-car value in a class all by itself."
