2012 Base or 2011 Sport?
 

So I am narrowing down my search for a Z.

I can get a 2012 new base for the same price of a 2011 with say 5K miles.

Which is the better option and why,eventually will swap out wheels.


How important is the sport?

Thanks

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.

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

But this has all been covered b4.

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.

if ur into the synchorev get the sport, comes with slip diff and 19inch, i regret not getting one, on the other hand if ur gonna mod extensively than go for base

2011/ thread

don't know about the base... I liked my sport a lot though... brakes were excellent and for me the wheels didn't ever need to be messed with... I liked them stock and didn't have a desire to get others or powdercoat them. Some people like to change things around... others want to be happy with what's already there. Those Rays are NICE wheels and very expensive. If you stay stock on the base tires will be a little bit cheaper when it comes time to replace them though. I doubt that's what's on your mind anyway.

Sport will get you the akebono brakes, much nicer wheels, SRM, VLSD, and stiffer springs. I personally think it's a must-have with the Z, unless you plan to upgrade brakes, wheels, LSD and coilovers anyway.

The used car has 5k miles. Its still pretty much brand new. I would go for the sport. You will be kicking yourself later if you dont.

the only benefit i see of the 2012 vs 2011 is that you dont have to worry about the steering lock any more.

but one can be had for $500. hardly a bargain not getting the '11.
also remember that buying used can mean buying someone else's problem.

:iagree:

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.

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. :shakes head: 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 :icon23:.

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. :tiphat: 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. :tup:

I'm curious where you were looking at the used Z? In CA or in the states?

2012 also has a factory oil cooler. The 2011 does not.