Finding The Right Car For Me

[Bibimbap]

Hey guys,

I've been pondering over this since I've been on the last time. I ended up going to the dealership and test drove the 370z; I loved everything about the car. I was just about to write the check and drive off the lot with the car, but I decided to wait on it thinking that this was an impulse buy. I really didn't want to come out asking for this time of comparison, but I really have to go by feedback from others to get a general idea of what I'd like to do.

The 370z, S2000, and Evolution X are my top candidates for cars that I'd like to choose from. I would have made my decision up by now, but dealers won't ever let me get on the gas, the highway, or give me any sort of reasonable seat-time with the car to get used to them... The only car I haven't test driven yet is the Evolution X. I'll probably be planning for a day to go and test them all back-to-back; I'll end up in the same predicament of not being about to "drive" them surely though.

The 370z and S2000 both feel great, but I haven't compared them back-to-back. Hence the reason why I can't make up my decision... From what I've witnessed with the s2000, it feels great in terms of driver control. Shifter is SUPER smooth, clutch is nice (not too on-and-off but direct), and driving up the RPMs with that lovely exhaust note is great. The downfall on my test drive is that I never even got into VTEC territory, I drove within a neighborhood (not a highway or open road), and the dealer controlled all my actions -- not really a test drive eh? Some cons about purchasing an s2000 in my mind are the soft top (not really a fan especially in FL and I'd put a hardtop in an instant), the high RPMs sans low torque engine, and don't want to regret my purchase.

The 370z test drive was the same, in a neighborhood along with no curvy roads nor time to actually get on the gas pedal. Keep in mind, these are new cars so I don't want to be ruining a car for someone who wants to buy it, so I didn't want to do anything like go WOT. Interior was an upgrade to the s2000 and the car looked amazing. Clutch and throttle felt a little light, but the acceleration was smooth. Overall, I wouldn't have expected less from Nissan's Z creation.

I'd expect the Evo to give the same sensations that both of the other cars give in respect to the AWD control and Turbo. The only thing that I can't get out of my head is if the Evolution X's Turbo and "confidence inspiring" handling will win me over in contrast to the handling and acceleration of the s2000 and 370z. In more specific detail, do I actually want to prefer the increased seat pushing ability of a turbo 4-banger with handling that makes anyone look like the best; or would the s2000 and 370z satiate my appetite with their delivery of acceleration and handling characteristics.

Putting two-and-two together, I still haven't gotten a chance to directly compare these cars and I'd like to get feedback from others. While I'll try and get these answers myself... I'd like to pick the car that makes me WANT to actually drive it when I have any spare time, be able to accelerate and handle turns resulting in massive grins to my face (also being able to scare some girls I know when getting on it ), and ideally be the car I want to keep and even maybe purchase another down the road. This car was intended to be pure, heart-pounding FUN; I already have a DD and want a car that is deserving of the criteria I want in a car -- Acceleration that I can feel (don't want to be pressing on the pedal thinking I'm at 45 when in actuality I'm at 70), and handling that makes me smile all the time.

I already feel like the 370z is what I've been leaning on towards this whole time, I just need that little push to acknowledge it. Some answers I'd like to put out before anyone else would care to mention.... Yes, I know this is a 370z biased site, but everyone has come from anyone of the cars that I mention and from all sites I frequent, this site is the most mature... I know that I should test drive these cars back-to-back and get MY own feeling, but I'd like feedback from others and I feel I wont get to see the TRUE potential of any of these cars by just testing new cars off the lot.

This post has been extremely long, but I just want to make sure I'm not regretting my purchase -- I won't be purchasing another car until I've finished college and moved onto bigger things. If anyone who does understand the type of situation I'm in, lives within South FL, and would like to help me get some REAL seat time (expecting to sit in the passenger seat LOL)... Then I'd love to compensate your time -- Take you out to eat or something haha. Anyways, thanks in advance for reading!

[Nick911sc]

First off, any dealership that won't let you drive the car properly when you test drive isn't worth the time and effort to make a purchase from. Any dealership I go to when I test a car lets me drive it so I know exactly what the car is capable of. And if they don't I leave.

When I was originally looking to get a new car I cross shopped the sti, evo x, gti and 370z. At that time practicality was a big issue being in NY with the winter so the 370z was not on the top of my list. But situations changed and I am lucky enough to be keeping my '02 x5, so I will be able to have a car like the 370z.

When I checked out the evo x I was not exactly pleased with what I saw from a dollar to quality ratio. It was more expensive than the 370z(Base + sport) And what really turned me off at the dealership was a lot of oxidation and rust on the shift knob INSIDE the car.(they removed the shift knobs because they told me people would steal them). The Evo X has a HUGE potential for tuning but I've read so many people having problems with the car. For example I know a bunch of people had their gas pedals break off while driving. Not sure if that is fixed. I know the handling is great and so is the engine.. But its a bloated version of what it once was. And for less money the 370z has a far nicer interior(and exterior, my opinion). But is less practical in both space and lacking of awd. But if you want space and awd..why look at the 370z? haha

I hope that helps even alittle

[theDreamer]

Note, the s2000 will be gone soon (not sure if they are still producing any) as this is its last year. It really comes down to do you need the extra room? I feel like you will get a good amount of enjoyment out of any of the three but what fits your specific needs right now? When I was testing the Evo I was enjoying the car, sales guys were horrible so that put me a bit off, but in the end I am young and have no need for a big car.

The Z won out for its style and performance with me, it was a great deal and at the time nothing else really shined like the Z. Only car after all my testing and thinking I might have left up against the Z was the 2010 Mustang but that was not out and I was a bit impatient.

[Bibimbap]

I appreciate the prompt replies and feedback. I do think that's the one thing I don't like about the Evo X is the supposed cheap quality in materials and design... Other than that, I don't NEED 4 seats -- it'd be a plus though. Only real thing I see out of the Evo X is the boosted 4g11 and AWD w/ the new AYC which seems very interesting.

[Forrest]

My math went like this Gas milage + Power + looks + Survive Car Accident = Z.

it had all of these things. the others have a few of them but not complete for me.

[Bibimbap]

I also wanted to mention that a lot of people say the gas pedal feels lighter than normal. Is it due to the drive-by-wire system? And if it is, is it noticeably lighter than other cars with drive-by-wire such as the 350z? Does this also contribute to that feeling that your going 75 when you feel like your doing 40?

Maybe a Blitz Throttle Controller would help >.>

[Bibimbap]

So I posted this topic on S2Ki and got a bunch of replies. The majority felt that the s2000 was the superior "fun" car out of the three. I know the responses are bias, but would a lot of you feel the same way?

[AK370Z]

Originally Posted by Bibimbap

So I posted this topic on S2Ki and got a bunch of replies. The majority felt that the s2000 was the superior "fun" car out of the three. I know the responses are bias, but would a lot of you feel the same way?

hey man, how are ya? haven't seen you post lately.

Take a look at some of these threads. They have switched over from S2000 to 370Z.

About to pull the trigger....but need a favor.

Anyone come from an S2000?

S2000 owner, just admiring the new 370z

http://www.the370z.com/new-forum-mem...ismo-370z.html

Omg...at last. Starting to lose sleep.

[Bibimbap]

Thanks for the links AK, so close to pulling the trigger! Argh!!!!

[Mergnthwirker]

I looked at the S2000 too, before I bought my Z. I loved the intimate feel of the car and its ultimate capability, but I found that to get great performance you really had to wind it out. Driving daily it was a lot more like a Miata than a Porsche, even though it can compete with a Boxster on the track. I found the Z more fun b/c its performance was more accessible on a daily drive basis. If you wind out the Z to redline, it really gets exciting, but even without winding it out I thought it was more fun than the S2000. I don't think you would hurt yourself either way, so it is more a matter of what floats your boat. I love convertibles, so it was hard for me to give that up and buy the Z coupe. That's how much I loved it though.

HTH

[Bibimbap]

Originally Posted by Mergnthwirker

I looked at the S2000 too, before I bought my Z. I loved the intimate feel of the car and its ultimate capability, but I found that to get great performance you really had to wind it out. Driving daily it was a lot more like a Miata than a Porsche, even though it can compete with a Boxster on the track. I found the Z more fun b/c its performance was more accessible on a daily drive basis. If you wind out the Z to redline, it really gets exciting, but even without winding it out I thought it was more fun than the S2000. I don't think you would hurt yourself either way, so it is more a matter of what floats your boat. I love convertibles, so it was hard for me to give that up and buy the Z coupe. That's how much I loved it though.

HTH

Appreciate the feedback and it's good to see you've had a primary comparison between the two also. I think the one thing that has me in line for the 370z is due to the fact that I'm in FL. I'm not necessarily a convertible type of guy, but I think the s2000 is appreciated more on twisty roads and canyons while there are mainly only straight roads in FL. SO, I'll ultimately make up my final decision when I go to test drive both tomorrow.

I'll probably be doing a comparative review between the s2000, evo x, and 370z when I get back.

[need4speed]

The upside to an s2000 is that its the last year n its sure to be a classic and if demand for this car increases?u will get close to wat u paid or more 10 years from now.
Like my rx7. I bought it mildly used 1500mi, for $22k in 1994. (Msrp new was 31k)
I sold my car in mint internal n external condition with 88,573mi $25k in 2002. There were no new japanese sports cars with rwd in 02 n I made a killin. Lol. With this energy crisis. In 5 yrs. The s2000 will already be a classic for honda in a new hybrid world.
So will Z but 5 years out the game the s2000 might be in more demand?

The flipside... Z I think is a better car on a few levels hands down.

[Bibimbap]

Alright well I finally did my test drives, consecutively over the week to get a good feel for all the cars I've driven. Out of all the cars I've driven were the 370z, Evo X MR, Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and GTR.... but lets not get into the GTR hehe. I wasn't able to drive an s2000 unfortunately since no one has one available and if I'm looking into getting a new one, then it would have to be pulled from out of state. I've found a nice stretch of dealerships that had all cars that I wanted to purchase so what's great about that is that there were a series of turns and bends off I-75 that I could get a good feel of the cars and all salesmen were happy to let me rip on some of their demo cars.

The 370z was the first car I had my opportunity to drive in. Overall it was a great car and was my initial choice from the beginning. Exterior is great, looks amazing in all colors; interior has a nicer finish due to the soft texture of the dash and center console. Seats were pretty firm and comfy for me and I had no problem getting adjusted to the blind spots and rear view. While I actually got on the car, it had very solid acceleration. While the clutch and gas felt a tad soft, it pulled through every gear and it kept a smile on my face. On a couple of bends, the car definitely gripped the hell out of the road; at one point the salesmen told me to go easy on the bends (third time going around) and as I was about to make the turn... I downshifted, got onto the accelerator, and he uttered, "oh god". I felt bad for the man since he was about 60 years old, but he said I really kicked his *** on the ride. Only gripes are the fact that I can't get the color I want and shifter/clutch/gas pedal don't feel as solid as I expected them to. Some people mentioned the engine note sounding horrid after 5k, but I thought it was lovely.

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 -need to do something about the front
ENGINE: 5/5 - not boosted, but amazing for N/A
HANDLING: 5/5 - amazing road holding capabilities, destroyed the turns
PRICE: 3/5 - could be a bit cheaper, but hey I'm cheap!

OVERALL: 5/5 - I love this car... I feel it's the one I want to buy.

The genesis coupe 3.8 and 2.0 were definitely not on my list for cars to drive, but I felt I should check them out. Dealership was dead, gentleman that helped me said he'd convince me to get the 3.8 over the 370z any day. He brought his 3.8 out that was fully loaded and told me to hop in the passenger seat. He surprised the hell out of me when he was taking his turns and sliding through the corners; I felt a need to show him that he wasn't going to one-up me. Turns were great, felt just as good as the 370z; shifting was great with the paddles since it has an amazing manufacturer building the AT transmissions. Acceleration was good for a V6, but the chassis felt heavier than it needed to be. I'd say this car is a step down compared to the 370z... I could imagine a blacked out gen coupe with Volks and LED tails would look great. Only difference on the 2.0 is that it felt weaker, I went WOT and it was not going fast at all... when shifting, the RPM's would hang for a second or two and then drop (I know there is a fix for this but still...)

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 - it would have a 5/5 if it had the 370z's ***
ENGINE: 3/5 - could feel the heaviness, RPM's hanging, not as fast as 370z
HANDLING: 4/5 - heaviness and it wasn't road holding like the 370z, felt the rear slip a lot since I was really getting on it.
PRICE: 5/5 - 2.0t is such a bargain and the 3.8 is still very good

OVERALL: 4/5 -If I wanted a cheaper 370z, this would be it.

As I drove away in dismay since 3 Honda dealers had NO s2000's whatsoever -- I drove off to two Mitsubishi dealerships. First one had an MR, but since it was dead and they praise that car like it's Allah, they would not help me at all (horrible service Bill Seidle's Mitsubishi). Second dealership had a Graphite Grey MR left on their lots and already started the car for me. First thing is first, I LOVE ME SOME BOOST! While it didn't kick in until 2.5k - 3k RPM's, the turbo definitely put a smile on my face. He showed me some back roads where I really got a chance to push myself in the seat and boy was it fun; I hate turbo lag on the other hand... Turns were definitely different as I could do turns at crazy speeds and the AYC / AWC would do everything for me, not something I necessarily like since it doesn't challenege me. Car looked good and put a nice grin on my face when I got on it. Salesman offered me the car for 34k with the 2k rebate, so I'm still deciding on that. It really has come down to the Evo X and 370z...

LOOK AND FEEL: 4/5 - interior was so-so, exterior was very aggressive
ENGINE: 5/5 - turbo and "push me back into my seat" feeling, even better with a tune
HANDLING: 4/5 - it does everything for me, but at the same token I want to be challenged
PRICE: 3/5 - 34k after rebate... meh

OVERALL: 5/5 - this is THE car I am comparing to the 370z plus it has 4 seats!

Right now I'm still debating on both cars as I like them both equally, but for different purposes. The 370z has an exotic look to it along with nicer refinements; it's also cheaper than the Evo X MR. I'm still leaning towards the 370z since it's been the car I've wanted for a while and because it has a great NA feel to it. The Evo X MR is great mainly because of it's aggressive looks, boost, and AWD nature. I'll be going back tomorrow to check them out, but as of right now I think I still like the 370z. Only reason I haven't listed the s2000 is because I haven't test driven one recently and it's going to be hard to allocate one...

If you guys have any comments to my test drives or and opinions, please feel free to share them!

[IDZRVIT]

Quit sitting on the fence and get the 370! I drove the Genesis but the 370 is much, much more car for a few dollars more. Why do you need 4 seats when you only need one!!!

[Bibimbap]

Originally Posted by IDZRVIT

Quit sitting on the fence and get the 370! I drove the Genesis but the 370 is much, much more car for a few dollars more. Why do you need 4 seats when you only need one!!!

I was sitting on the fence and was about to jump off, but then an Evo X kicked my *** on the test drive LOL!