2012 Base or 2011 Sport?

speedfreek · 03-28-2012, 10:15 AM

Are you going to upgrade the brakes aftermarket as well if you get the base? The wheels/brakes are what make up the sport with the addition of the rear spoiler and chin diffuser.

osbornsm · 03-28-2012, 10:20 AM

And the Rear Limited Slip Differential as well... also better wheels.

But this has all been covered b4.

LakeShow · 03-28-2012, 10:26 AM

Sport is ideal. A new base is cool though. I'd take a new car, that's just me. I like to be the only one to have driven it.

TerribleONE · 03-28-2012, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

Sport is ideal. A new base is cool though. I'd take a new car, that's just me. I like to be the only one to have driven it.

gsxr750 · 03-28-2012, 01:47 PM

Get the base model with the manual and sport package, best bang for your bucks, the extras the sport package provide are well worth the extra money.

Augustus · 03-28-2012, 02:26 PM

The most significant thing the Sport brings to the table is the SynchroRev system. I say that because it's the only thing that you can't add later. You could upgrade the wheels, springs, brakes, add an LSD, etc all on your own. And in some cases, you'll do a lot better with aftermarket gear than OEM. The OEM VLSD, for example, is not very highly regarded around here (so I've read, anyway). Granted, you're probably going to spend more money doing it yourself than you will from just buying the Sport package. But then again, modding a car like the Z can be part of the fun of owning one.

But the SynchroRev system is special. It's very cool, lots of fun, totally unique to the Z, and quite useful. I would highly recommend that you at least drive a Sport so you can experience it. AFAIK, there's no way to install it in a non-Sport Z. Counter-point, the SynchroRev system is the one part of the Sport package that you can actually have for free, provided you're willing to put in the time & effort to teach your right foot how to heel-toe & rev match properly.

That said... I wasn't thrilled with the ride quality with the Sport package. Yeah, I said it. I'm a wuss.

When I went to the dealer, they had both an '11 Z Touring 6MT and an '11 Z Touring+Sport 6MT on the lot. I spent quite a bit of time in both, but came home in the non-Sport.

While the SynchroRev system is really slick and every Z ought to have the VLSD (even if it's crappy), I personally didn't really care for the rest of the Sport package. I'm indifferent to the rear spoiler. The front lip spoiler doesn't do anything for me except drag itself on every banked driveway & parking lot entrance. The Sport brakes are visually & technically superior to the base brakes, but I doubt it makes much of a difference in street driving. And given the Z's brakes' reputation (deserved or not), I'm not sure I'd trust either the base or Sport brakes on the track anyway. The 19" RAYS are visually stunning, but the 19" tire + spring combination doesn't do the ride quality any favors. The Z isn't supposed to be a cream-puff, obviously, but the Sport package makes the ride even stiffer & harsher. I could definitely tell a difference with every expansion joint on the highway when I was driving the Sport. Yes, yes, no need to flame me, it's a sports car, a stiff ride is the point (...that's what she said...). But my Z is going to spend most of its miles as a daily driver & weekend toy on cracked & cratered midwestern roads, not on the track. There is something to be said for ride comfort. And 18" tires are cheaper to replace than 19's, so

.

Seriously, I mean no flames. Just pointing out that the Sport package isn't always the best choice. People's priorities differ. Again, to the OP, go drive both if you can. That's the only way you can really tell what works best for you.

All that said, I do wish the Z had a "Grand Touring" trim line that added the VLSD and Synchrorev to the Touring. But that's it. That'd be perfect, IMHO.

And off topic...

To the OP, if you get the 11, others have a valid point about the steering wheel lock problems. Check the manufacture date. It's on the driver's door plate. IIRC, 2011 Z's made after March 2011 don't have a steering lock. My 7/2011 build MY2011, for example, doesn't have it. The oil cooler on the 2012's is a welcome feature for many. I personally have not witnessed high oil temps in my 2011, but again, I'm not tracking my Z.

Good luck! You can't really make a wrong decision here.

Volk Z · 03-30-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow

Sport is ideal. A new base is cool though. I'd take a new car, that's just me. I like to be the only one to have driven it.

Same here... The first 5000 miles are soooo crucial on how the engine is broken in.

When i pick up my 370z this summer its going to need to have just rolled off the truck NO test drives...

psibrr · 03-30-2012, 08:11 PM

this may be repetitive ..

re; prev. comment on brakes, 370z brakes are much upgraded compared to 350z, which had issues. see link:

***************************************/tabid/57/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11/370Z-Brakes.aspx

Also I believe the 18'' 370z wheels are 7 lbs lighter than 350z stock 18'', and
the S/P 19'' are another 5 lbs lighter than the 18'' 370z's, each wheel that is.

Contra Augustus, noise is about same IMO compared to 18''s, just higher frequency. Suspension's 'anti-ripple' and other improvements make up for 19'' sensitivity. ( Things are either too sensitive or not enough, a theme on this site.) I use it as DD, and the oil cooler seems to be fine but I have yet to try extended >100 cruising speeds..

Also, that article goes into description of lighter, stronger bearings, spindles etc. To track, adding steel lines and higher temp brake fluid could be all that's needed .. as the article states.

My S/P came with backup cam, wireless remote & compass auto dim mirror, $800 retail. Loss of rear wiper is irrelevant with cam, as far as backups, & could also just add something like aquapel to rear window if need be ( a non-silicone version of rain-X.)

The S/P is $3K, but wheel upgrade alone can easily be 2K if you're trying for 19'' and branding, same ultra-lightness, etc. Add 14'' 4 piston brakes with constant pressure,the LSD, Synchro, chin and spoiler for zero lift and 0.29 drag, a usable oil cooler that does -something-, and the backup mirror for 1K more, not a bad deal?

re: methodical4u: '12 has the glove compartment, as well as cubby, btw. plus shelf behind seats and door storage, plus console in middle, padded. but agree, phone (or tablet) could be nav tool, charger in console. Also, easy to toss stuff in 'trunk' area behind your headrest.

sonic370 · 03-30-2012, 09:14 PM

mho sports package

you can't get everything that is in the sports package for 3 grand after market.

anything else depending on your budget you can add... which i'm betting will be
the radio shack sound system in the base.......................

UNKNOWN_370 · 03-31-2012, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psibrr

this may be repetitive ..

re; prev. comment on brakes, 370z brakes are much upgraded compared to 350z, which had issues. see link:

***************************************/tabid/57/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11/370Z-Brakes.aspx

Also I believe the 18'' 370z wheels are 7 lbs lighter than 350z stock 18'', and
the S/P 19'' are another 5 lbs lighter than the 18'' 370z's, each wheel that is.

Contra Augustus, noise is about same IMO compared to 18''s, just higher frequency. Suspension's 'anti-ripple' and other improvements make up for 19'' sensitivity. ( Things are either too sensitive or not enough, a theme on this site.) I use it as DD, and the oil cooler seems to be fine but I have yet to try extended >100 cruising speeds..

Also, that article goes into description of lighter, stronger bearings, spindles etc. To track, adding steel lines and higher temp brake fluid could be all that's needed .. as the article states.

My S/P came with backup cam, wireless remote & compass auto dim mirror, $800 retail. Loss of rear wiper is irrelevant with cam, as far as backups, & could also just add something like aquapel to rear window if need be ( a non-silicone version of rain-X.)

The S/P is $3K, but wheel upgrade alone can easily be 2K if you're trying for 19'' and branding, same ultra-lightness, etc. Add 14'' 4 piston brakes with constant pressure,the LSD, Synchro, chin and spoiler for zero lift and 0.29 drag, a usable oil cooler that does -something-, and the backup mirror for 1K more, not a bad deal?

re: methodical4u: '12 has the glove compartment, as well as cubby, btw. plus shelf behind seats and door storage, plus console in middle, padded. but agree, phone (or tablet) could be nav tool, charger in console. Also, easy to toss stuff in 'trunk' area behind your headrest.

Pretty much a repeat of what I said so

theboydiddy · 03-31-2012, 11:52 AM

there is nothing like a brand new car with the brand new smell, knowing you the first owner. is like have sex with a girl that had 5 guys already or a virgin chic. we all know that we love to be the first one. that being said get the brand new one.
i had found a Z with 5K 2011 for 31K. exactly how i wanted, pearl white stick sport package.... than i found a brand new for $33 2012. i did the brand new one of course.
also sport package on the Z IS A MUST. trust me, after going over 125mph you will going to want to stop at some point. lol

03-28-2012, 10:26 AM	#3 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 26	Sport is ideal. A new base is cool though. I'd take a new car, that's just me. I like to be the only one to have driven it. __________________ \|2013 Audi S4\|Ibis White/Black\|S-Tronic P+\| \|2013 370z\|PearlWhite/Persimmon\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|F.I. CBE 18" CF\| \|Sold\|2011 370z\|Gun Metallic\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|

03-28-2012, 02:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
Augustus Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 146 Drives: 2011 370Z Touring M6 Rep Power: 14	Drive both. The most significant thing the Sport brings to the table is the SynchroRev system. I say that because it's the only thing that you can't add later. You could upgrade the wheels, springs, brakes, add an LSD, etc all on your own. And in some cases, you'll do a lot better with aftermarket gear than OEM. The OEM VLSD, for example, is not very highly regarded around here (so I've read, anyway). Granted, you're probably going to spend more money doing it yourself than you will from just buying the Sport package. But then again, modding a car like the Z can be part of the fun of owning one. But the SynchroRev system is special. It's very cool, lots of fun, totally unique to the Z, and quite useful. I would highly recommend that you at least drive a Sport so you can experience it. AFAIK, there's no way to install it in a non-Sport Z. Counter-point, the SynchroRev system is the one part of the Sport package that you can actually have for free, provided you're willing to put in the time & effort to teach your right foot how to heel-toe & rev match properly. That said... I wasn't thrilled with the ride quality with the Sport package. Yeah, I said it. I'm a wuss. When I went to the dealer, they had both an '11 Z Touring 6MT and an '11 Z Touring+Sport 6MT on the lot. I spent quite a bit of time in both, but came home in the non-Sport. While the SynchroRev system is really slick and every Z ought to have the VLSD (even if it's crappy), I personally didn't really care for the rest of the Sport package. I'm indifferent to the rear spoiler. The front lip spoiler doesn't do anything for me except drag itself on every banked driveway & parking lot entrance. The Sport brakes are visually & technically superior to the base brakes, but I doubt it makes much of a difference in street driving. And given the Z's brakes' reputation (deserved or not), I'm not sure I'd trust either the base or Sport brakes on the track anyway. The 19" RAYS are visually stunning, but the 19" tire + spring combination doesn't do the ride quality any favors. The Z isn't supposed to be a cream-puff, obviously, but the Sport package makes the ride even stiffer & harsher. I could definitely tell a difference with every expansion joint on the highway when I was driving the Sport. Yes, yes, no need to flame me, it's a sports car, a stiff ride is the point (...that's what she said...). But my Z is going to spend most of its miles as a daily driver & weekend toy on cracked & cratered midwestern roads, not on the track. There is something to be said for ride comfort. And 18" tires are cheaper to replace than 19's, so . Seriously, I mean no flames. Just pointing out that the Sport package isn't always the best choice. People's priorities differ. Again, to the OP, go drive both if you can. That's the only way you can really tell what works best for you. All that said, I do wish the Z had a "Grand Touring" trim line that added the VLSD and Synchrorev to the Touring. But that's it. That'd be perfect, IMHO. And off topic... To the OP, if you get the 11, others have a valid point about the steering wheel lock problems. Check the manufacture date. It's on the driver's door plate. IIRC, 2011 Z's made after March 2011 don't have a steering lock. My 7/2011 build MY2011, for example, doesn't have it. The oil cooler on the 2012's is a welcome feature for many. I personally have not witnessed high oil temps in my 2011, but again, I'm not tracking my Z. Good luck! You can't really make a wrong decision here. Last edited by Augustus; 03-28-2012 at 03:02 PM.

03-30-2012, 08:11 PM	#8 (permalink)
psibrr Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: jax, fl Posts: 19 Drives: 12 370z MT S/P BC Rep Power: 17	more of same, more or less this may be repetitive .. re; prev. comment on brakes, 370z brakes are much upgraded compared to 350z, which had issues. see link: ***************************************/tabid/57/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/11/370Z-Brakes.aspx Also I believe the 18'' 370z wheels are 7 lbs lighter than 350z stock 18'', and the S/P 19'' are another 5 lbs lighter than the 18'' 370z's, each wheel that is. Contra Augustus, noise is about same IMO compared to 18''s, just higher frequency. Suspension's 'anti-ripple' and other improvements make up for 19'' sensitivity. ( Things are either too sensitive or not enough, a theme on this site.) I use it as DD, and the oil cooler seems to be fine but I have yet to try extended >100 cruising speeds.. Also, that article goes into description of lighter, stronger bearings, spindles etc. To track, adding steel lines and higher temp brake fluid could be all that's needed .. as the article states. My S/P came with backup cam, wireless remote & compass auto dim mirror, $800 retail. Loss of rear wiper is irrelevant with cam, as far as backups, & could also just add something like aquapel to rear window if need be ( a non-silicone version of rain-X.) The S/P is $3K, but wheel upgrade alone can easily be 2K if you're trying for 19'' and branding, same ultra-lightness, etc. Add 14'' 4 piston brakes with constant pressure,the LSD, Synchro, chin and spoiler for zero lift and 0.29 drag, a usable oil cooler that does -something-, and the backup mirror for 1K more, not a bad deal? re: methodical4u: '12 has the glove compartment, as well as cubby, btw. plus shelf behind seats and door storage, plus console in middle, padded. but agree, phone (or tablet) could be nav tool, charger in console. Also, easy to toss stuff in 'trunk' area behind your headrest.

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03-28-2012, 10:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
speedfreek A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 1,724 Drives: '12 370Z PW 6sp Rep Power: 19	Are you going to upgrade the brakes aftermarket as well if you get the base? The wheels/brakes are what make up the sport with the addition of the rear spoiler and chin diffuser.

03-28-2012, 10:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
osbornsm A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: WHAT Posts: 2,551 Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE Rep Power: 425	And the Rear Limited Slip Differential as well... also better wheels. But this has all been covered b4.

03-28-2012, 01:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
gsxr750 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: west Posts: 443 Drives: 2012 370z man. sport Rep Power: 14	Get the base model with the manual and sport package, best bang for your bucks, the extras the sport package provide are well worth the extra money.

03-30-2012, 09:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 19	mho sports package you can't get everything that is in the sports package for 3 grand after market. anything else depending on your budget you can add... which i'm betting will be the radio shack sound system in the base.......................

03-31-2012, 11:52 AM	#11 (permalink)
theboydiddy Track Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 938 Drives: 370z Pearl White Rep Power: 15	there is nothing like a brand new car with the brand new smell, knowing you the first owner. is like have sex with a girl that had 5 guys already or a virgin chic. we all know that we love to be the first one. that being said get the brand new one. i had found a Z with 5K 2011 for 31K. exactly how i wanted, pearl white stick sport package.... than i found a brand new for $33 2012. i did the brand new one of course. also sport package on the Z IS A MUST. trust me, after going over 125mph you will going to want to stop at some point. lol