Roadster or coupe?

exedy699

So as of now I have a coupe 350z and a 2011 scion tc (my DD), but I wanna trade my 350 for a new 370 (hence me being here lol). I've been doing my homework, and after going through all the choices I ended right back with Nissan. Now, I test drove an s2k not long ago, and sure its old, and sure its smaller and more "raw"; but i loved the feel of a roadster.

My question to you folks is, should I get the roadster or coupe? No, I will not be tracking the car, and I will be using it for long commutes in all types of weather. So what do you guys think? Guys with roadsters, do you have any major issues/complaints? Cargo size is smaller, thats a given.

11Thumper

I have both the 370Z (coupe) and an S2000. Totally different cars. My only gripe with the S2000 is being more worried where I park it (soft top). The 370Z feels like a luxury car compared to the S2000.

Do you park in a garage? If not, skip the rag top.

exedy699

I understand they are different beasts. It's the engineering of both that I'm attracted to, in the end I might end with both but for now I wanna start with one.

Should I assume then you have a coupe z? I am not sure what type of parking I will have, as I will be moving soon for a new job, new state...so who knows?

11Thumper

My Z is a coupe, not the roadster. It was a hard debate for me (I garage my cars) but I decided on the coupe. I may regret it if I sell the S2000, but perhaps not. No idea.

If you don't have a garage for sure the elements will do a lot of damage to a soft top. Count on replacing it every 3-4 years.

exedy699

Yikes, that often?

11Thumper

It depends. My S2000 has a vinyl top and it's about 6 years old, original top. However, most of it's life was in Seattle (not a ton of sun) and garaged. I also treat the top fairly often with a product to help block UV. It depends how you take care of it. I think cloth is more durable and quieter.

I do feel that I should have purchased the roadster, especially when one drives by. I was planning to keep the S2000 but just bought an airplane a couple months back so now the finances are a bit more snug.

Maybe it's time to start stripping again on the weekends.

bvl

A properly cared for top should not need replacing that frequently. Its a cloth and not vinyl top (which tends to wear faster especially due to UV and other exposure).

That said, I do agree with the poster that a roadster that sits outside all the time is going to wear faster. Bit hard to quantify of course, but it will happen.

I am a roadster fan (having driven a roadster for the past 12 years, now year 1 into our ZR). The Z's top is complicated, and when it does require replacing (I would estimate 8-10 years of normal wear and good care) it won't be inexpensive. My previous car is 20+ years old, and only on its second top. It spent a mixture of its life in/out of garage depending where it lived.

Follow the Roadster forum and a few top issues have occurred as well. Teething pains I would hope as the engineers dial in a few wear buffers in the design. Ours suffers wear spots in two places and we should be getting a warranty replacement later this year which is good on one hand but not so great on the other: I don't really like the idea of replacing a complicated top so early in its life.

- b

WICKED_GRIN

I owned a ’09 red 370Z for a year and decided to trade up to 370Z Roadster and it was the best move I ever made! I test drove a S2000 a while back and really thought it needed at least 50 more horsepower!!

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exedy699

Ah , very well. As of now my living conditions are not sure; but I always take care of my cars. I would most likely buy a cover to protect it from weather.

I will make sure to check in the Roadster section for more info. Now, does anyone have complaints in the noise department with the top down? The s2k i drove was loud, but it was due to an aftermarket exhaust. But I am just wondering how you guys feel it at different speeds, like city cruising, or highway driving.

Thanks again for your help everyone

RandyD

since i got the roadster, my opinion is already biased...

but i love it.

the noise is not bad at all. you can still have a conversation at high speed. road condition will affect this a bit all worth it.

djpathfinder

OP, I think you answered your own question with the statement "I love roadsters".

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2012 GT-R Black Edition Jet Black
2010 370Z 40th Anniversary // SOLD

exedy699

Haha
I love them, sure. But I am not sure if I like the sacrifices! Thats why I am doing my homework

Rui Z

Doesn't a Z roadster cost as much as a Z coupe and a used 2003 S2000? I say get a coupe and S2K and sell your tc.

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edub370

the coupes lines look much mo betta!

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exedy699

Yes I agree the coupe looks better... but i like the roadster AND its benefits. Hence my dilemma.

I just bought my tc 5 months ago so i have no need to sell a brand new car for a used possibly abused car that will be my daily driver.