Why is our car so heavy?

Red__Zed · 11-21-2011, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

The 3200lbs (I think it was 324x or something?) curb weight figure Nissan released is probably very close to a base. It wouldn't surprise me that the sport package add 80-100lbs to it.

Do the rins/brakes add that much weight?

KillerBee370 · 11-22-2011, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Do the rins/brakes add that much weight?

No. The little plastic front lip does.

cossie1600 · 11-22-2011, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Do the rins/brakes add that much weight?

I believe so yes. Tires too.

My Prius is 3050lbs, it doesn't handle anywhere close to my Z.....

mjd77 · 11-21-2011, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

My C6 Corvette stock with everything was 3300lbs on full tank. My 370z base+sport was 3350 with full tank. My 06 RX-8 was 3000lbs on full tank. My 04 350 enth. was 3320lbs.

All stock with full tank, no driver or luggage.

I was waiting for someone to mention the RX-8. If that car had any torque it would be a monster.

bvl · 11-22-2011, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjd77

I was waiting for someone to mention the RX-8. If that car had any torque it would be a monster.

The renesis engine likely saves 100lbs alone. The RX8 chassis is quite capable and a great performer for what it is.

The Z is a *big* car. I liken the 'light car' discussion to cell phones. People have gotten so used to the crappy voice quality they can say this new phone sounds 'great' compared to the previous one. Hop on a land line and you are introduced to real clarity. Again.

Today's cars have arguably too much required safety items, leather, power this and that, 17-20" wheel sets, larger rotors to help with the growing mass. So if a car is < 3500lbs we think 'its not heavy'. No. It is heavy.

The fact that a car like a GTR can get around a track so well is a testament to good chassis engineers.

Hop in a NA6 miata, Lotus Elise or many other mid-90's sports coupes and you will remember what a lighter car feels like. My '92 miata with FM Turbo and 15" wheels weighed 2250. My 1995 GS-R 2500.

2010 ZR is over 3500 lbs but I get larger everything, a honkin' V6, thicker, heavier doors, leather interior, power everything including top. I can't expect that to be sub 3000 lbs. Kudo's to nissan engineers for trying to save weight where it makes sense. They shaved 20lbs or so with the CF shaft and Ray's wheels just to name two areas. AL hoods are common on sports cars.

Coming from a car 1200+ lbs lighter sports car its still an adjustment for me. The Z is very well planted, and extremely solid. No more go kart feeling I was used to. Doesn't mean its bad...I just wish Nissan did make a 3000lb 2.6-3l6 narrow Z car, which is what I personally was dreaming about before the 350 was released

- b

bigsix · 11-22-2011, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvl

...
Coming from a car 1200+ lbs lighter sports car its still an adjustment for me. The Z is very well planted, and extremely solid. No more go kart feeling I was used to. Doesn't mean its bad...I just wish Nissan did make a 3000lb 2.6-3l6 narrow Z car, which is what I personally was dreaming about before the 350 was released

- b

I think the "feel" of the 350z is closer to this ideal dream Z car you're talking about. It's more than just the measurement of mass, it's how the chassis responds. The 370z is more muscle than sports car, imo.

nogoodname · 11-20-2011, 09:01 PM

It's heavy because of all the swag in it.

b1adesofcha0s · 11-20-2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nogoodname

It's heavy because of all the swag in it.

alcheng · 11-20-2011, 10:02 PM

The Z is heavier than some cars, and it is also lighter than some cars.

The most important thing is, how does it actually perform on its handling, and How do you like it.

right???

m4a1mustang · 11-20-2011, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcheng

The Z is heavier than some cars, and it is also lighter than some cars.

The most important thing is, how does it actually perform on its handling, and How do you like it.

right???

Right.

And as the 3,800+ lb GTR shows, a few lbs here or there on the 370Z doesn't mean a god damn thing when it comes to performance!!!

ihatepotholes · 11-20-2011, 11:01 PM

Z is definitely not a heavy car. actually, i think Z has the perfect steering/handling package in its class.

FL 4Motion · 11-21-2011, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

So which Evo is the heaviest?

which ever one my fat a$$ is sitting in at the time.

onzedge · 11-21-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL 4Motion

which ever one my fat a$$ is sitting in at the time.

Imperial · 11-21-2011, 05:13 AM

I think what a lot of people have mentioned about cost, and I would like to add inceasingly strict safety and emmissions regulations as well as value added comfort features and technology, are the main reason contemporary vehicles are getting heavy in general. Take these factors away and this would not be the case. A great example is the Fairlady Z Nismo RC in which cost, emission and certainly comfort and convinience do not play a large role.

m4a1mustang · 11-21-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Imperial

I think what a lot of people have mentioned about cost, and I would like to add inceasingly strict safety and emmissions regulations as well as value added comfort features and technology, are the main reason contemporary vehicles are getting heavy in general. Take these factors away and this would not be the case. A great example is the Fairlady Z Nismo RC in which cost, emission and certainly comfort and convinience do not play a large role.

Well the Nismo RC is a full on race car, so comfort and convenience don't play a role at all.

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11-20-2011, 09:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1766	It's heavy because of all the swag in it.

11-20-2011, 10:02 PM	#9 (permalink)
alcheng A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Toronto Posts: 28,894 Drives: 2011 ZR PW w/Clutch Rep Power: 418354	The Z is heavier than some cars, and it is also lighter than some cars. The most important thing is, how does it actually perform on its handling, and How do you like it. right???

11-20-2011, 11:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
ihatepotholes Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: nj Posts: 129 Drives: 2012 Boss 302 Rep Power: 17	Z is definitely not a heavy car. actually, i think Z has the perfect steering/handling package in its class.

11-21-2011, 05:13 AM	#14 (permalink)
Imperial Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 487 Drives: 10 Nismo 370Z PW M6 Rep Power: 16	I think what a lot of people have mentioned about cost, and I would like to add inceasingly strict safety and emmissions regulations as well as value added comfort features and technology, are the main reason contemporary vehicles are getting heavy in general. Take these factors away and this would not be the case. A great example is the Fairlady Z Nismo RC in which cost, emission and certainly comfort and convinience do not play a large role.