Why Nissan?? Why the 350z and not the s15 or Skyline??

[MainEvent212]

ok so lets compare apples to apples shall we?

get a G35 track model, lets say black on black...dealer prices it FULLY LOADED at 32K...how do i know? because that's what i got mine for...

and we have a cobra, with all it's non-existant bells and whistles...since it's a real sports car and dosent have any of that "junk" right?

now to even it out, slap on the supercharger kit for the G35, to get it up to par w/ the cobra...we've spent a total of 36K now on the G, and it puts out clost to 450 if i am not mistaken...while the mustang is at high 300's?

ok so now whos faster, for a little extra, i've got navigation, a bumpin bose stereo and oh yeah, a nicer car

so nyah, nissan kicks fords *** :pface

personally i just dont liek the look of the moostang, i do appreciate the cobras performance and "purist" angle in design though

[jdmfreak]

When did you get the G?

[stillmatic]

Cobra smobra.

The best value car in the market right now is a 04 Dodge SRT-4. It only retails for $20,095 compared to the Cobra's $35,200 price tag. The SRT-4 can already hang or beat the Cobra in stock form and you still have about $15,000 left to make it go even faster.

Now back to the topic. Maybe it's just me, but I'll rather have Nissan bring the S15 to North America than the Skyline. The S15 is not a slow car at all, and I'm sure most of you have seen how it performs against the Skyline, Supra, and RX-7 in the Best Motoring video.

[MainEvent212]

umm...Passport Infiniti

it was already on the lot, not special order like most people end up doing

got lucky honestly, i think someone ordered it and backed out or something, i have no idea, but it's in the driveway right now so i wont complain

[MainEvent212]

this was in mid july btw, sorry i misread your post

[jEzTeR]

get a G35 track model, lets say black on black...dealer prices it FULLY LOADED at 32K...how do i know? because that's what i got mine for...

Thats a crazy low price!Is that with the 6-speed and Brembos?I priced the G35c with 6-speed ,Brembos,Nav,Areo package w/ 4 piece spoiler,power sunroof, premimum package,and a few othere options at..Total Configured MSRP† $38,645.00

[MainEvent212]

yeah ray's and brembos, 6 spd, no aero package though...it looks too bulky IMO w/ the aero package, i'd like to find a nice carbon fiber lip

[MainEvent212]

excuse me for hte FULLY LOADED comment earlier, i guess that would be inaccurate

let me just put it this way, more functional amenities then the cobra

[PalmerWMD]

umm...Passport Infiniti

it was already on the lot, not special order like most people end up doing

got lucky honestly, i think someone ordered it and backed out or something, i have no idea, but it's in the driveway right now so i wont complain

Pics pics we need pics.

Fred..

[MainEvent212]

heh, you'll get to see all angles except straight on rear...there is a blemish that my dad is just too j00-ish to fix lol

but yeah, it's gorgeous (black on black) and it's just been washed and waxed so maybe i can go snap some photos tomrrow, weather's been ****ty lately though

[jdmfreak]

Yes please do.

[Larry Pengilly]

(What in the world was Nissan thinking when they brought the 350Z here instead of the S15 or Skyline?? )

Its called economics and it wouldnt not be smart for nissan to bring the s15 here or the skyline. Count up how many members are on this site and all other 240 sites and that is exactly how many people would be interested in those cars. It just would not make sence for nissan. They market that 350Z to the masses as a new car and suprise suprise more intrest in other nissan products, kids that cannot afford the 350 will buy a sentra and ect..... if the S15 was on a lot more than one person will rember how nissan screwed us with the KA24DE in the 240sx and not purchace that car either.....

think about it

[C-Kwik]

Couple of things:

Cory, Have you ever owned a Ford? I have not, though I just got a POS Taurus Wagon as a company car. The only good thing is it's cheap for me and it's huge(seats 8). My parents have owne mostly domestic cars since there are no full size van's available from anyone else. So far of the domestic cars my parents have owned, the Fords had the most problems. The GM products have been the best, but are still not without their problems.

I've turbo'd my KA and it runs great. I drive the piss out of it and it runs great. So far, I've had no engine maintenance or breakdown issues. My mom has a beater Civic. Ran like crap when she got it, but it turned out it just needed new spark plugs. It runs like a champ despite it's nearly 200,000 miles. And based on what I saw of the existing spark plugs, the car was not maintained very well at all before she got it. This is part of the difference in price. Imports just tend to be built better overall. You get what you pay for. Hell, I've heard about plenty of problems with the C5 Corvettes as well.

Secondly, it's not expensive to build a car just by throwing a chassis together, throwing in a big motor and calling it a day. Consider, that the Z was built with much purpose. One big indication you can look at is the attention to the aerodynamics. Do any Mustangs have a zero lift front and/or rear end? Do any of the Mustangs have nearly the attention to chassis stiffness?

The Cobra is rather porky at 3600 lbs. It certainly has plenty of power thanks to a supercharger. And the handling is comparable enough to a Z out of the box, but consider it uses some massive 275/40/17 sized Eagle F1's. These are much grippier than the Potenza RE040's that come on the Z. These tires have many compromises in performance compared to max performance tires. And mind you the Z's tires are narrower as well. Between the weight difference and the tires, there's no doubt in my mind the Z will out handle the Cobra with similar types of tires.

As far as what is better? It's truly up to each person to decide that on their own. You have your opinion and that is fine. Perhaps if you were in the market for a new car, you might opt for the Mustang. But I prefer the Z. The look, the quality of biuld, the performance, it's all worth it to me. I would not spend what they ask for for a Mustang. I doubt I will ever own a Ford.

[JustinStrife]

Here in southern cali all I see are young men and women driving 350s...and maybe a couple 30-40yr old men. Its all on location..

San Diego must be different cause in the south south part of california most people who drive 350z's are in their 40's +...

and i'm on the road at least 150 miles a day.

350z is too bulky looking for me. I'd never buy one. I like streamlined. Hence why I like the 240's

[APEXi240]

A comment kept getting reitterated that Z's are already on used lots. However this happens with every car. There is a used dealership by me that had 3 Mini's (one S) the same month they were released, and all were indeed used. You always see new cars in used lots within a couple of months of release, it doesn't matter what the car.

Some people don't like them, other's can't make payments, still more are repo'ed. That is a bad gauge of the success or failure of a car.

Up in the Northeast everyone is rockin Z's and G35 coupes. Girls and guys in their 20s, and guys that are 40+. They seem to be all split pretty evenly too. I see ALOT of them on the road.

[jdmfreak]

Same here in upstate NY. Its all location.

[cory2081]

Cobra smobra.

The best value car in the market right now is a 04 Dodge SRT-4. It only retails for $20,095 compared to the Cobra's $35,200 price tag. The SRT-4 can already hang or beat the Cobra in stock form and you still have about $15,000 left to make it go even faster.

Now back to the topic. Maybe it's just me, but I'll rather have Nissan bring the S15 to North America than the Skyline. The S15 is not a slow car at all, and I'm sure most of you have seen how it performs against the Skyline, Supra, and RX-7 in the Best Motoring video.

I'm sorry, did you just an SRT4 could hang with a Cobra?? Are you feeling ok??

[JustinStrife]

Even i'm not thinking an SRT can hang with a cobra.. Those cobras are mean.

I still don't like the new Z's. I appreciate what Nissan did bringing it here, but I would have rather seen a 240 platform. I got over the big car thing years ago... (cept a Z06 vette *drool*)

[cory2081]

Ok, now that I have read EVERYONE's post.......Geezs, you people love that freakin Z, that's ok with me, fine and dandy. Go supercharge a Z, can it run in the 9's with stock internals??? I seriously doubt it. The fact is, the Cobra can. Personally, I prefer horsepower over some fancy chassis. My GN didn't have anything fancy, it was just raw power and that's what I loved about it. You people like all the "racing" technology for road courses, that's great. I build cars for a totally different purpose.....I like for them to be excellent performers on the street. I like to have a $10,000 car with 6 grand under the hood and be able to whip some rich guy in a Z06 or a Viper. I LOVED that about my GN. The reasons that I sold that car are: I had it for 11 years, parts got expensive, and I REALLY missed having a 5-speed (99 Mustang GT that I owned) So, I did some research....I wanted something light weight, good looking, rear wheel drive, and plenty of aftermarket parts....TADAAAAAA I bought a 240. Just one more thing I want to get straight here before I forget, you people keep throwing these numbers around from magazines and car manufacturers. That is dangerous, don't put too much stock in those numbers. Here's a good example....I'm telling this specific one b/c I KNOW the facts on this story. The first gen 32 valve 4.6 (Cobra engine, 1996-2001) was plagued by a big problem. Ford stated, as did many magazines, that the car had 305HP (320HP from 1998-2001) and that it ran good times in the 1/4 (dont recall exactly) Well, it was all B.S. The cars tested by independants, and Mustang enthusiast mags were SLOW, in fact, they weren't much faster than a GT (16 valve SOHC 4.6) I can attest to this as I had a friend with a '99 Cobra and my GT beat him. (he later sold the car and bought a Vette) Anyhow, that is what lead to the '03 Cobra, Ford went back to the drawing board and gave people what they wanted.....Horsepower without raising the price much at all.

Well, it's late, I'm tired, I love the Z and every freakin Nissan ever. I'm sorry I pulled everyone's chain, but, I just had to create the most useless discussion on the forums. Thanks for your participation

[stillmatic]

I'm sorry, did you just an SRT4 could hang with a Cobra?? Are you feeling ok??

Yes, an 04 SRT-4 can hang with a Cobra. Perhaps you should research other cars besides the Mustang.

A stock Cobra runs low to mid 13's on the quarter mile.

Well, check srtforums.com's quarter mile list for the 03 SRT-4. http://srtforums.com/forums/sh...11314

The 04 model has more horsepower, torque, and lsd with the same curb weight as the 03 model. The 03 ran high 13's to low 14's with no lsd and the 04 model is just a plain 13 second stock car. It's only $20,095 so just imagine the look on the $30,000+ sports car driver's face when they lose to a Neon.

[cory2081]

Cobras run 12.7 or better in 1/4 dude. think what you want about the srt-4. it is quite a bargain i must say, and it does look good. Dodge has the right idea for sure. the Cobra is heavy, i'll be the first to admit that. they made the new engine cast iron (the previous Cobras had all aluminium), it has that big blower and intercooler, not to mention 4 cams. the Neon is alot lighter. power/weight ratio is always at play but, there is no substiute for cubic inches to be honest. the srt-4 is definitly a worth while car....i mean, it even comes from the factory without mufflers!! dont need those when you have a turbo and cats!! minimal back pressure!! Go Dodge!! now let's wait and see how well those engines hold up!! I know of several Mazda Speed Proteges that have piston slap already, sounds awful when you first start it up...that's not a good sign MAZDA!!

[C-Kwik]

Not everyone cares about running 9's. I haven't been on a drag strip in about 4 years. I find much more excitement on a road course. I have little need for the kind of power that would put a car into the 9 second 1/4 mile range here. Frankly, most cars would have a hard time being set-up to handle that kind of power smoothly and effectively exiting a turn. There would have to be way too many compromises made to the handling in order to provide that kind of forward traction.

[JustinStrife]

I'd rather be a roard course beast then a 1/4 beast anyday...

I still refuse to believe that neon can hang with a cobra. The cobra runs mid 12's. The neon's gotta run high 13's mid 13's best stock.

[Larry Pengilly]

I would like to see a cobra that runs 9's actually be streetable. sure you can "drive it" on a street and might get a way with it but would you want to day in day out over and over to and from work, drive up restrauants, banks ect... I dont think so, I have owned many of these vehicles that ran 10's or better and the money involved is immence just in upkeep plus I had my 240 for a daily driver......

Dont get me wrong it can be done but on the street it is impractible.

And yes the SRT-4 can run with the cobra and lots of other cars, there just isnt the build quality in that car that some others have....

later

[hatebobbarker]

the srt 4 looks nice?, it looks like a pikachu

[APEXi240]

CORY STOP COMPARING APPLES TO ORANGES. It's ridiculious. It's obvious you like drag/street racing. The Z is built for the track, obviously not a muscle car, so stop comparing it like it is one. I guarantee you that the majority of the people on this site are more interested in road racing than drag racing. The last time I went the drag strip just to see racing was about 2 years ago, every other time its because I'm watching other events. Drag is BORING.

You talk about throwing around numbers, like its wrong for other people to quote magazines, and experience, but it's alright for you to? I've seen Cobras at the track run 14s, and I've seen them run 12s, so you saying stock ones run 12.7 does't mean jack.

[jdmfreak]

Yes and how long will that Cobra last especially one running 9s? How much $ after the $30k pricetag would it take to get into the 9s? How long will it take before you're spendin way too much $ in repairs? Dont get me wrong. The Cobra is good for what it is and I respect that, but these other things have to be taken into account. Now lets look at the Z. A few more thousand $ and a seccond or 2 less in the 1/4, but great in the twisties. It can take mods well and last years longer than a Cobra with a lot less repairs. Now lets look at the big picture. Not every1 wants to run 9s or even go to the track. The Z was made to be a fun all around well handling car. Not a 1/4 warrior although it can be and still be able to handle fairly descent. These are the people that Nissan is going to target its sales. Not 1/4 junkies.

Now to address the why the Z over the Skyline or S15: At the same time the Z was released the G35 or Skyline in Japan was put into production in the US. Why not the GTR or S15? Because they no longer make it. Why would they give us cars that were already discontinued in Japan? Just to satisfy the small percentage that want it? If they did that they wouldnt make too much $. Thats just my $.02 or maybe a lil more. Now this may all be wrong and Im misinformed, but oh well.

[stillmatic]

Doesn't Ford own Mazda now?

Sorry for posting the wrong info. I searched and the best time I could find for the SVT Cobra was 13.10. I didn't know they were in the 12 second range because I remember seeing a stock E55 beating a modified SVT Cobra 3 straight times. I figured there's no way an auto E55 can run low 12's...

Well, let's not forget that the SRT-4 is just a 4 cylinder car. It has less horsepower and torque. It's also FWD but handles really well. It may not be as fast as the Cobra but it's definitely the best value car in the market.

[Nismo_yo]

I love S15's and all and also hope they continue the Silvia line and wish they would have brought it here, but i think the bringing the 350Z was a great decision, plenty of Z lovers here and theyre also trying to gain back alot of the market they lost with not haveing a full out sports car. Also everyone else is right, there isnt much a of a market for the S15 besides a hand full of people, we all seen how poorly sales went with the 240sx. And there is a entry level semi sporty car, is the SE-R Spec V, like it or not, thats basicly what it is, for 18k i think its a decent deal.

[AREITU]

Thats a crazy low price!Is that with the 6-speed and Brembos?I priced the G35c with 6-speed ,Brembos,Nav,Areo package w/ 4 piece spoiler,power sunroof, premimum package,and a few othere options at..Total Configured MSRP† $38,645.00

If you compare it to a BMW 330Ci Sport, it's cheap.

All 6MT G35s come with 18ins and Brembo brakes. Drop the Nav and it'll be a little more affordable. hatebobbarker has a G35 himself (it's for sale if anybody's intrested) and it was everything but nav. 38k out the door

..few of them offer turbo charged vehicles that offered them in the past. Nissan, Mazda, and Toyota used to have turbo charged vehicles, none of them do now. I do recognize the EVO, WRX & SRT4 are new (at least to us) cars that are turbo charged, but turbo charged cars cost the company a lot of money. The parts have to be forged and because they generate a lot of heat, there are more problems with warranty issues, and its tough to meet CARB regulations with these cars.

Turbocharged cars have the most difficulty with cold start. That's why the WRX has a cat right before the turbo, which chokes the car. A simple eighteen inch pipe makes the stock WRX immensely more driveable.Also, we get the "truck motors" because they're already good to go in this country. I think you'll agree with me when I theorize that the Nissan/Infiniti GT-R that we'll recieve will have a form of the V8 found in the FX45. With the way Nissan tunes their exhaust music, it wouldn't be too bad of an idea.

AREITU brought up the fact that the R34 would have cost like $40,000 if it came over, but I believe it would have been more like $50,000+ because of the emissions laws. The turbo supras were extremely expensive when you could buy them new. Even an S14 would have ran you $24,000 in 1996!

Used Supra prices were grossly inflated after Fast and Furious. I saw a showroom new Supra with only six miles on the odometer selling for $65,000. Nobody bought Supras when they were still new because it was too expensive for a Toyota. Might as well buy a Lexus. I'm suprised they didn't sell those things to us with a 1UZ-FE in it. By the same logic, the Skyline would have sold in ridiculously small numbers because of "only" 280hp. Car mags don't test cars with mods.For example, removing GM's skip-shift is a $30 deal. They ***** about Skip-shift because they only test stock cars.And if you think about it, even before the RWD craze, Honda was having a very hard time selling the 5th gen Preludes, which aside from the FWD part, is in the same price and performance category and it was aimed roughtly at the same demographic as the 240SX. If the S15 came out, it would not only have a KA, it would have cost around $24,000.

If anything the cars are getting cheaper compared to the performance that you can get now. I believe that the sports car is coming back. No company wants to loose money on a vehicle :rolleyes so they're cautious about introducing new models. But soon I believe Toyota will have to have an answer for the 350Z, just like Mitsubishi had to have an answer for the WRX...

I totally agree! The sports car era is coming back due to generated intrest in the sports compact world. In fact, Toyota may be considering an "affordable" low-power RWD car in the spirit of the AE86 Corolla, because they recognize the demand for it. The "Big Three" concentrate more on their truck sales than anything. At the LA Auto Show, their new compacts were either badge-engineered, or it wasn't based on an American designed chassis (So they can spend R&D $$$ on trucks). The new Cobalt is more European than American. As a quick and unofficial answer to the 350Z, Pontiac is giving us the GTO (Holden Monaro). It's so badge engineered, it dosen't even really resemble any other wedgy-looking Pontiac.