z or vette

MX52Z

I'm obviously exaggerating for fun but to also underscore the point that there's too much fixation on technical specs, HP and track times when ultimately, folks are going to get what they desire most inside.

I got my GS because I simply wanted one, not because the Z was bad or lesser in any way. In fact, I still think the Z is better looking. I never had a spreadsheet comparison of the two with performance differences, gear ratios, power-to-weight, top speed, track times and so on because none of that matters to me in the real world. As I said, if I could've afforded to, I would still have my Z as well. Hell, I'd still have a stripped down Miata track rat if I had more garage space.

Drakonis GTR

I agree. Obviously the first item is the money. If that wasn't an issue we would all be rolling around in GTRs, Lambos, Veyrons, etc.

If you want more power than a Z, sure get a Vette. It may cost you more, but it's readily available. Hell, lets not forget the fact that there are stock cars that can eat a Vette for lunch, wipe off their chin, and ask for seconds. But a majority of those cost even more, frequently breaking the 6 figure mark. So now we come back to the whole "Bang for the Buck" bit.

Sure, the Vette is impressive for it's price point. There is no way that GM would do anything less for a car that they've been making for over 60 years. For $60-70k (less if you are willing to buy used) you can own a car that will leave the vast majority of vehicles on the road back in the dust. The Z can claim the same thing (albeit to a somewhat lesser extent), but can claim it for $15-20k less. So which is more important; saving the money, or having the power? Answer that question, and you have your answer to the original question.

Wanna talk mods, sure, but the funny thing about mods is that what can be done to one car, can most likely be done to the other. And as the old adage goes, "There is no replacement, for displacement." Hell, throw enough money at anything, and you can make it king of the hill, if only for a little while. I think Hennesey proved that when they took a Lotus Elise/Exige, modded the **** out of it, dropped a Chevy 427 with TT in it, and made a car that outruns the highest tier Bugatti Veyron, and for roughly half the money.

But then again, opinion trumps all. As Nargrakhan had already stated, the OP has already made up his mind, but he seems to want someone to talk him out of it.

__________________

2009 Nissan 370Z Base w/ Sport Package
F.I . LTHs with Non-Resonated Cat-back exhaust (C.F.) / Stillen Gen3 CAI / Up-Rev Tune

280z/300zx

I've had a Z since I was 17. Bought my 84 300zx on my own and fell in love. At 18 I bought a 280z in addition to my 300zx. When I graduated from med school I bought myself an 09 370z touring sport as a grad present to myself. Sadly a year and a half later it was totaled. I replaced it with a 2010 370z NISMO. At the end of last year my Z was involved in an accident (no luck) and I begged the insurance company and body shop to total it. The screwed me claiming it was worth more than it was, so it was fixed. Long story short it was a nightmare that took almost three months and the car was never the same.

So a few months ago I sold it and was car shopping. Nothing but another Z or a vette were on my list. My fiance already had a Camaro 1LE which i love but didn't feel like having identical cars. The STI is a car I've always loved with only 305HP no way. Couldn't bring myself to like the mustang. After lots a searching and a drive to Arizona I bought a 2012 Grand Sport with under 3k miles on it. Flawless car. I haven't been happier.

The Z is a great car but needed a change. Plus for the money I no longer think the Z is the best deal. Sure it's fast and corners great, but the mustang and Camaro are faster while cornering just as well. No I'm not nit picking down to tenths of tenths. In general the domestic competitors are just a better bargain. The Z has fallen behind and is in serious need of a refresh. Compared to the Vette, there is no comparison. It's better in just about every way or equal to at the worst, except in in-town gas mileage. The Z wins there but loses in fwy gas mileage.

Where I'm at Z's are rare and Vettes are common, yet with-in days of owning my Vette I was already getting more attention in it than my Z did in all years ow ownership. No sure why. Personally I think the Z is a sexier looking car but I guess majority of people think otherwise.

Lastly, I did consider a C7 Vette but decided to wait for now until mid cycle so they could iron out the bugs. Guess it's a good thing given recent events regarding the C7. However after having my Grans Sport I'm in no hurry as it's a wonderful car.

Ninja edit: It does kind of suck being the youngest member of my Car club at 32, most everyone else is older. Sadly average age of Vette owners is something like 65