Why is our car so heavy?

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.

Red__Zed

because of the difference in claimed weight vs actual measured weight

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.

Red__Zed

Do the rins/brakes add that much weight?

KillerBee370

No. The little plastic front lip does.

cossie1600

I believe so yes. Tires too.

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

m4a1mustang

But I bet it's 0-6 mph is ridiculous.

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Red__Zed

Sport package w/ tires
52.2lbs
56.8lbs
per this thread
base rims are about
50f
52r
with tires


sport akebonos:
Front caliper: 11lbs
Rear caliper: 6lbs
Front rotor: 29lbs
rear rotor: ???


base brakes:
front rotor: 22lbs, 5 oz
no other weights available


No way the calipers are under 5lbs on base, so we will go with that.


Don't have the rest of the weight, but based on that, I don't see how you would get 80-100 lbs for the SP, you've got a delta of maybe 45lbs if you leave some weight for the rotors...unless the viscous unit weighs a ton

mjd77

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

bvl

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

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.