Thoughts after my first test drive of the 6MT 370z

LunaZ · 05-31-2010, 07:06 AM

I have both a Mazdaspeed3 and a 370Z.
I just took the Mazda out for a drive this weekend after ignoring it for a few weeks, and after 2 months in my Z, everything about the Mazdaspeed3 feels flimsy by comparison.
There's no weight to the clutch pedal, the shifter feels like it's going to break, and the steering is way too light.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeetJoeAsian

and as far as you saying the Z didn't feel as fast as your Mazda3, are you outta your mind???

I'm gonna have to agree with the OP on this one.
The Mazdaspeed3 "feels" faster. The kick of the turbo combined with the car's lightweight and somewhat flimsy feel and the crazy torque steer that makes you feel like you're always trying to rein the car in, gives the car a fast "feel".
For the first couple of weeks of driving my Z, I felt like I might have made a mistake, but then I came to the realization that the car was just very solid and very capable and was doing things with such ease that it didn't feel fast even though it was indeed faster.

MeetJoeAsian · 05-31-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaZ

I'm gonna have to agree with the OP on this one.
The Mazdaspeed3 "feels" faster. The kick of the turbo combined with the car's lightweight and somewhat flimsy feel and the crazy torque steer that makes you feel like you're always trying to rein the car in, gives the car a fast "feel".
For the first couple of weeks of driving my Z, I felt like I might have made a mistake, but then I came to the realization that the car was just very solid and very capable and was doing things with such ease that it didn't feel fast even though it was indeed faster.

It goes with the territory....it's kinda like when you go from a Corolla to a Lexus, in the Lexus, sometimes when you are going over the speed limit, you don't even realize it because the car doesn't feel like it's going that fast

rj45 · 05-31-2010, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaZ

I have both a Mazdaspeed3 and a 370Z.
I just took the Mazda out for a drive this weekend after ignoring it for a few weeks, and after 2 months in my Z, everything about the Mazdaspeed3 feels flimsy by comparison.
There's no weight to the clutch pedal...

Less weight than the Z's clutch? IMO, the Z's clutch pedal is way too light for a performance car. The MS3's clutch must be ridiculously light.

LunaZ · 05-31-2010, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rj45

Less weight than the Z's clutch? IMO, the Z's clutch pedal is way too light for a performance car. The MS3's clutch must be ridiculously light.

It feels like stepping down on a rotten banana compared to the Z's clutch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeetJoeAsian

It goes with the territory....it's kinda like when you go from a Corolla to a Lexus, in the Lexus, sometimes when you are going over the speed limit, you don't even realize it because the car doesn't feel like it's going that fast

Hey, everybody... Captain Obvious is in tha' house!

waaaasabi · 05-31-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LunaZ

It feels like stepping down on a rotten banana compared to the Z's clutch.

Must be a Mazda thing; the RX-8's clutch is also ridiculously light compared to the Z.

Zaku · 05-31-2010, 11:21 AM

the Mazda clutches are like feather, I drove and RX8 once and I thought I might have a lead left foot. The pedal just kept going down so fast. which was sorta the feel I had when I owned a 1988 Rx7 =/ Z's clutch feels really solid when you push it down, but still maybe Im just not used to it, I've only driven a Z twice.

05-31-2010, 11:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
Zaku Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 76 Drives: 02 Honda Civic Si Rep Power: 18	the Mazda clutches are like feather, I drove and RX8 once and I thought I might have a lead left foot. The pedal just kept going down so fast. which was sorta the feel I had when I owned a 1988 Rx7 =/ Z's clutch feels really solid when you push it down, but still maybe Im just not used to it, I've only driven a Z twice. __________________ _______________________ Current Z funds $ 3600 =)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
BMW Z4M Coupe to 370z? Test drive	ebruder	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	29	04-28-2010 10:18 AM
MotorTrend First Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z test drive 4.7 sec 0 to 60 11.25.08	AK370Z	Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery	47	11-11-2009 08:06 PM
370z test drive question???	Xavier Raymond	Gentleman's Club	23	08-29-2009 07:25 PM
Test Drive TV Australia - 370z	GTRFAN	Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery	3	08-08-2009 06:39 PM
370z on test drive	joe370z	Australia/New Zealand	7	08-08-2009 12:09 PM