370Z Coupe vs. 370Z Roadster
 

I was hoping to get some insight on what everyone thinks for the 370Z Roadster being brought to the track every now and then. I had a 370Z coupe that I brought to the track and it performed really well. I keep hearing some comments here and there that the 370Z Roadster is slower while others are saying that there is really no difference. Obviously the ideal track car will usually be the coupe version, but i think its time to enjoy a sports car with some open air next to the beach!

my wildest guess would be .... roadster is a little faster due to having a soft top? but i'm not sure myself

I'd think it'll be a littleeee slower because of the weight, but probably not enough to show a difference

Roadster weighs a bit more. And I would assume that ungoverned it would have a touch lower top speed since it's not as aerodynamic.

Yep. Probably not noticeable at the end of the day.

The weight difference is something like 200 pounds: so as everyone pointed out, it's really not a big deal.

Roadster is a porky girl, not nearly as nimble as the coupe in that environment. Some (most?) won't allow running it either as you are not going to be getting a role cage in there, and the integrated roll hoops if allowed, may need to pass the broom stick test.

I doubt I could pass the test with a helmet on being 6'. If the driver education group allows for the hoops as is, I certainly would toss it around regardless. Fun is fun. :)

- b

How much time will you be spending at the track versus the beach? :tup:

Roadster will be slower as it is heavier and less aerodynamic. Make sure to look into your club's requirements for convertibles. I'm not sure all allow the OEM roll hoops or if they have to pass the broomstick test.

The only thing that put me off the roadster was the soft top issues, mega bucks once out of warranty.

Yep and i dislike the look with the top up, looks pretty cheap. I wonder why they dont make hard top like the G :ugh2::ugh2:

It was pointed put to me the weight Difference is only 93lbs.

From a technical standpoint you should be good on track. Nissan made sure the Verts chassis is almost as rigid as the coupe. The coupes advantages are minor but the coupe is better for track days for safety reasons.. From a personal preference standpoint. I prefer the coupe.

My 350z was a roadster and I wasn't real fond of the cramped interior space nor the big blind spots it had. This is why I have the coupe now and if you are planning on doing track time save your money and stay with the coupe. If you want heads turned on the street the drop top is the way to go.

Tracking is definitely an issue that I haven't had to deal with but driving with the top down and destroying most cars on the curves is very enjoyable (side note: I had an owner of a mustang 5.0 in the passenger side as I took an on-ramp (clover leaf) at 65 exited at 90 say that I never could do that) . Plus driving at night with the top down is the best.

Indeed it is :tup:

If you compare a touring/sport coupe to a base R (if you could find one) perhaps it < 100 lbs but most R's are at least touring, many loaded.

Some stats (doesn't list sport which is a bit heavier with larger wheel/tire IIRC):

Coupe:
Base 6MT: 3,232
Base Auto: 3,269
Touring 6MT: 3,278
Touring Auto: 3,314

Roadster:
Base 6MT: 3,426
Base Auto: 3,449
Touring 6MT: 3,497
Touring Auto: 3,489

The R doesn't have too much cowl shake and is a great street roadster but its no coupe in terms of rigidity. This isn't a carbon tube based MP4 :D

- b