Drove a Z Roadster Touring (automatic) today....

[AviBen]

I was disappointed in the 370z (an automatic), felt renewed affection for my AC, and feel more comfortable holding onto my money for now. I felt cramped and less comfortable in the 370z, the handling didn't seem much improved, and visibility was far worse. My dealer didn't have any manual transmission's in stock (that's what I really wanted to try), and although I definitely felt the extra HP in the Z, the automatic transmission was far less responsive than I hoped, and felt even less responsive than my AC's CVT in sport mode (the Z automatic doesn't have a general sport mode like the AC, instead when you flip the stick to the left it goes right into a specific gear from which you can go up or down manually, or you can use the paddle-shifters on the steering column to go up or down in normal Drive mode). I still want to try a Z with the manual transmission with SynchroRev downshifting. (I also missed the sound of my intake, Y-pipe and Nismo exhaust!)

[InfinitiEric]

Wut you definately didn't drive a 370Z if that's how you felt about it. The Z = weeeeee

[AviBen]

Hmmm, Eric, thanks for your opinion. Guess I ought to defer to your judgment as to what my subjective experience was, since you weren't there, you've never driven (or raced) in my AC, and you aren't me. Overall, my personal judgment was that this particular Z unit I test-drove wasn't worth the extra money over the particular AC unit (as modified) I currently drive. I may change my mind if and when I get to drive the manual transmission, of course. And, I am not saying the Z isn't a great car or worth it for those who like -- probably the best buy in a high performance sports car today.

[InfinitiEric]

Well you're an ***hole.

[downedzephyr]

i feel the love in this thread.

[DAAN.]

probably the best buy in a high performance sports car today.

Out of curiosity, having almost purchased a z ... why do you consider it a best buy ?

[AviBen]

probably the best buy in a high performance sports car today.

Out of curiosity, having almost purchased a z ... why do you consider it a best buy ?

Good question. From the information I've checked out about "affordable" sports cars available now, the Z seems to have the best combination of (1) power in excess of 300 HP and off-the-line acceleration, (2) good handling, (3) beautiful styling (I think the roadster and the coupe are both gorgeous), and (4) economical pricing (base in the $30k's for coupe). Corvettes, Porsches, BMWs are much more expensive with equivalent equipment (although you do get what you pay for to some extent). The Mazda Miata is cheaper but has significantly less power (though it is lighter and can be had as a cute convertible.) I think the actual best buy for a car if all you want is massive power is the Mustang GT, but it's a little "muscle-y" to fit the sports car moniker -- I have recently been tempted to go back to Ford, though (over 20 years ago I had a Lincoln Mark VII that was terrible). Latest version of Chevy Camaro is similar to Mustang, good bang for the buck but a muscle car, not a sports car. Not sure about the Genesis coupe but I've heard about reliability issues.