Welcome aboard Speed!
I'm not a Young lad either although you may consider me Young for your age, i'm 44...
I learned to drive on a trans-am with a boosted 350 and knowing your background, you'll love the Z. It may not be the "punch your stomach in" type of car, but it handles like no other imo, although I didn't try the base model so maybe they're different a bit, but thats easily solved...
and you can't even compare the build quality to americans, but thats my opinion once again...
with a few goodies, I'm sure you'll find the Z to be an awesome car and besides, you won't see them at like every ******* corner like some other brands...cough cough...
Welcome aboard once again, nice group here, you'll like the forums I'm sure. and btw, there is no age for passion...