Newbier to the Z Family

280z/300zx

I'm not sure what you consider good gas mileage but 26-28 is very optimistic. Driving from vegas to california several times I've only managed a best of 25mph one way. I typically average 22-23 on this trip. Again I don't drive 65mph in the slow lane putting around, I drove safely but at closer to 75-85mph or whatever flow of traffic is (average speed on this stretch of road is 80-90mph). Driving only in town you will get under 20mpg. This is not a good gas mileage car so if that is your concern don't look at performance cars. People who buy performance cars with gas mileage as a concern are typically disappointed in the long run.

As for weather, if you don't change the tires and keep the stock summer tires on the car it will not don't well at all in snow or ice. In rain the car is very traction limited and needs to be driven with caution. If you change the tires to all weather then things won't be as bad. I honestly hate driving my Z in the rain as it is very prone to slipping. You'll see me going from spirited driver in dry weather to paranoid old man (only 29 in reality) in the rain. The summer tires really aren't good unless it's dry out. Here in Vegas it barely rains so for me it's not worth buying a set of winter tires but consider it if you live in a place where you see a lot of rain, snow, or ice.

Lastly, while I love my Z in a lot of ways our previous Vette was better in some aspects. Obviously it had far more power but while still having a V8 it would get 32+mpg at 80+mph. In rain it was far more stable. Insurance was also cheaper. Not trying to push the Vette but just saying the Z, while good in some aspects, does lose out compared to other sports cars in other areas. Thats why when other say the Z gets good gas mileage for a sports car I laugh. Why is it GM can design a car with a 400+hp V8 that can get over 30mpg while Nissan's V6 can barely get over 25mpg.

Honestly, you need to go test drive the Z first off. Secondly if you are concerned with gas mileage and weather, etc the Z or performance coupes in general just may not be for you. It sounds like you have a mpg/all weather car with your elantra so the question becomes, why even worry about these questions with the Z? As you said it's your toy, so use it for that. Then again, I'm the type that doesn't bat an eye when I pay for gas and doesn't sweat it when I floor the car. A car is more than transportation for me