Nissan 370Z Forum - Versa>370Z

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http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....9/mrk_lead.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autoblog
Yutaka Katayama, known to American Datsun/Nissan fans simply as Mr. K, will be remembered for two very important cars: the 240Z and the 510, both of which are now considered classics. Mr. K turned one hundred years old on September 15, but age hasn't tempered his mind. In fact it seems sharper than ever. Talking about the new 370Z, Mr. K calls it, "So-so." He continues, "Very different from the 240Z. First, it's very heavy, and it's also very expensive."

And not only does Mr. K feel the car new Z is too expensive, but that it's not actually living up to the Japanese sports car legacy laid down by the 240Z, "I'd like to have a sports car like the Miata. The Miata is taking the place of the 240Z." Harsh. But check this out, "Katayama has a 350Z in his garage but prefers to drive the family's Versa compact." And there you have it.

Mr. K would like to see the Datsun nameplate come back, and with sportier cars. "The fun of driving cars is the same as riding a horse. We need a car that is like riding on horseback. We are making robots. Robots don't like human control." Even at the ripe old age of one hundred, Mr. K just might be around to see his wish come true, "I just entered the 100s. I have a long way to go."

why can't people just understand that safety regulations, are stricter, cars will be heavier.

this was a nice discussion topic on another board. with only me defending the z.

Nice find. He shares a common sentiment regarding the current state of Japanese auto engineering and design.

I bet he HATES the GTR

Two schools of thought, with preference often being the distinction of the two. First, the old school "mechanical" thought and Second being the "technology" school of thought.

Again, which is better? Use your preference to really make the judgement. Some base everything on numbers where others "feel".

I agree with Chris, it is a preference. Mr. K has been around for 100 years and he has mostly been involved in Mechanical rather than Technological so I can't blame him for feeling that way. And driving the versa over the Z... umm... I guess he just wants more room... lol

Safety regulations have played a huge part in ruining the overall 'feel' of the car. All that stuff comes with a price, obviously - weight. With that said, I like the 370Z because it gives me a stronger emotional response than any other car I've ever driven (granted, I come from Range Rovers and an Audi A4). Maybe my stance will change if I get into a Miata and throw it around a canyon road for a while. But I can't see anything really returning the 'soul' to a car because you have to wrap it up in so much bubble wrap :rofl2:

Maybe his Versa runs in the 11's.

times have changed....lol

he's one century old, he should know about change

Quote:

Originally Posted by phelan (Post 208802)

I have to agree, all the new regulations and even more new regulations that will be coming out in the near future are the cause for things that Mr.K doesn't like.

the dude is in a wheel chair. im sure a versa is more comfortable on the inside than a Z

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobwf (Post 209266)

the dude is in a wheel chair.

Yeah but its got 600HP!

Then he should hate the Z32 twin turbo because those things weigh at least 3,500 lbs., the heaviest Z car to date.

Miata???? Miata was modeled after Trimph's sports car of the 60's...don't know the name.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chupacabra (Post 208680)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....9/mrk_lead.jpg

why can't people just understand that safety regulations, are stricter, cars will be heavier.

this was a nice discussion topic on another board. with only me defending the z.

Not true. You can make a car light with the safety and regulations that are stricter. Just manufactures are lazy and rather not spend the funds to find ways on doing that.

The minute you start using exotic materials to meet the same safety regs but be able to keep weight down... you just converted a 30k z into an 70k car.

lets face it light weight is expensive.