For those of you who have gotten rid of your 370Z

Red__Zed · 10-12-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

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If it's about handling and track performance, the Evo and STI are lateral moves. They post laptimes usually about the same as the Z. The Mustang would be a downgrade. They have a heavier and less well balanced chassis than the Z, not to mention prehistoric suspension. Turbocharge the Z and you will have the same power and straightline performance as the Mustang, while retaining a ligher, more nimble, and better balanced chassis with the potential for further adjusting and fine tuning the suspension for improving handling. Let's be honest, there isn't much you can adjust on that solid lump of metal in the back of a Mustang

I agree with most of this post early on... I have said many time that the z is by far the best looking car in it's price range. If your goal is to be seen in a flashy car, it is tough to beat.

This last paragraph is so full of

I don't even know what to do with it. I guess if your idea of "better balance" is "understeer at all costs", then yes...the z is better balanced.

Edit: nevermind. You're the guy who can't seem to grasp the point of a factory-built racecar, and complaining because it's not twin-turbo....I'll leave this one to someone else.

m4a1mustang · 10-12-2011, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

Depends on what the objective is. If it is getting into a flashy good looking classy sports car, then it's a big downgrade. Mustangs are ugly and about as common as Camrys. Evo and Sti are just a lancer and an impreza with a turbo. If the desire is more practicality, the Evo and STi are big upgrades. Mustang not so much. Yeah it has a pair of useless back seats and a slightly larger trunk. That's about it.

If the objective is straight line performance, Evo and STI are a minor upgrade. They do have the advantage of AWD. Of course, super sticky aftermarket tires on the Z will easily bridge the gap. The Mustang will be a big upgrade in that regard.

If it's about handling and track performance, the Evo and STI are lateral moves. They post laptimes usually about the same as the Z. The Mustang would be a downgrade. They have a heavier and less well balanced chassis than the Z, not to mention prehistoric suspension. Turbocharge the Z and you will have the same power and straightline performance as the Mustang, while retaining a ligher, more nimble, and better balanced chassis with the potential for further adjusting and fine tuning the suspension for improving handling. Let's be honest, there isn't much you can adjust on that solid lump of metal in the back of a Mustang

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I agree with most of this post early on... I have said many time that the z is by far the best looking car in it's price range. If your goal is to be seen in a flashy car, it is tough to beat.

This last paragraph is so full of

I don't even know what to do with it. I guess if your idea of "better balance" is "understeer at all costs", then yes...the z is better balanced.

Edit: nevermind. You're the guy who can't seem to grasp the point of a factory-built racecar, and complaining because it's not twin-turbo....I'll leave this one to someone else.

I'm with Red__Zed here.

When it comes to balance stock-for-stock, the Z has a lot of understeer and the 5.0 is very neutral. It's very well balanced. Better than the Z out of the box. I think you need to get out and drive more to get a good idea of what "balance" is.

Not that you have much credibility, anyways, Pharmacist. You've proven in the past that your knowledge of automobiles leaves a lot to be desired. Your only argument against the Mustang is it's "prehistoric" suspension, even though that prehistoric suspension handles as well as, or in some cases even better than, the Z.

Anyways, continue on ignoring the facts. Enjoy your little fantasy world (where parking right on the line constitutes dead center, as long as you drive a yellow Z.)

Pharmacist · 10-12-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I agree with most of this post early on... I have said many time that the z is by far the best looking car in it's price range. If your goal is to be seen in a flashy car, it is tough to beat.

This last paragraph is so full of

I don't even know what to do with it. I guess if your idea of "better balance" is "understeer at all costs", then yes...the z is better balanced.

Edit: nevermind. You're the guy who can't seem to grasp the point of a factory-built racecar, and complaining because it's not twin-turbo....I'll leave this one to someone else.

ALL cars understeer from the factory for safety purposes. The Z and probably the Mustang are close to neutral, so a bit of throttle to spin the rear wheels can cure understeer. Evo and especially Sti also understeer like a pig, but you can't cure it with a bit of throttle because the AWD and electronics will prevent you.

semtex · 10-12-2011, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

ALL cars understeer from the factory for safety purposes. The Z and probably the Mustang are close to neutral, so a bit of throttle to spin the rear wheels can cure understeer. Evo and especially Sti also understeer like a pig, but you can't cure it with a bit of throttle because the AWD and electronics will prevent you.

I can't speak for the Evo, but I can get my STi's rear end to rotate with throttle just fine as I usually drive with my center differential dialed to direct the torque with a rear bias. I also usually set my traction/stability control to the middle setting, which allows for some wheelspin without turning TC completely off. That's another thing that's nice, TC/VDC isn't just on/off like it is with the Z. That all being said, however, you're right that AWD cars understeer more than RWD. That's just basic physics. I remember test driving an Audi S4 years ago and I could definitely feel the difference. I actually considered getting an S4 to replace my Z, but the adjustable center diff of the STi swayed me (not to mention the price differential!).

Red__Zed · 10-12-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by semtex

I can't speak for the Evo, but I can get my STi's rear end to rotate with throttle just fine as I usually drive with my center differential dialed to direct the torque with a rear bias. I also usually set my traction/stability control to the middle setting, which allows for some wheelspin without turning TC completely off. That's another thing that's nice, TC/VDC isn't just on/off like it is with the Z. That all being said, however, you're right that AWD cars understeer more than RWD. That's just basic physics. I remember test driving an Audi S4 years ago and I could definitely feel the difference. I actually considered getting an S4 to replace my Z, but the adjustable center diff of the STi swayed me (not to mention the price differential!).

Yep, same experience here.

Awd definitely understeers more, but it's not a dynamic issue the way it is on a
Rwd car. I can tap the brakes to rotate the wrx and get right back on the throtle to rebalance. Not an option when the z understeers.