Fiesta ST to 350z, am I mad?
Discussion
Froomee said:
A friend has a 350Z if you stick it in 6th doing about 75ish with the cruise control on it will easily achieve 30mpg maybe slightly more.
I have also owned two fiesta ST's and driven the 350Z, the 350z is definatly better but i personally think the 350z is starting to look slightly dated (especially the interior) boot space is useless i.e. you can't get anything remotely large in, as the floor is very shallow and they are generally thirsty when doing normal day to day driving (one of the few cars i have found that drinks more petrol than my focus ST mountune).
Performance wise its pretty much identical to my current car all the way upto ~150mphish,the brakes are good and its fairly easy to keep in check even with the traction off. You have to be driving really harsh to make it spin out as it feels planted through corners even at speed. I would advise buying one with low miles decent tyres all round but especially rears. My friend has had his about 9 months and 8000 miles with no issues at all(started on 48000).
A nice seemingly reliable car but I would prefer an S2000 but thats just me.
Normal MPG doesn't really bother me as I only do about 100 miles a week when I don't have to drive to work and I don't mind paying the fuel premium for a nicer car!I have also owned two fiesta ST's and driven the 350Z, the 350z is definatly better but i personally think the 350z is starting to look slightly dated (especially the interior) boot space is useless i.e. you can't get anything remotely large in, as the floor is very shallow and they are generally thirsty when doing normal day to day driving (one of the few cars i have found that drinks more petrol than my focus ST mountune).
Performance wise its pretty much identical to my current car all the way upto ~150mphish,the brakes are good and its fairly easy to keep in check even with the traction off. You have to be driving really harsh to make it spin out as it feels planted through corners even at speed. I would advise buying one with low miles decent tyres all round but especially rears. My friend has had his about 9 months and 8000 miles with no issues at all(started on 48000).
A nice seemingly reliable car but I would prefer an S2000 but thats just me.
I'd probably change the tyres on whichever one I might buy anyway as I hear they perform a lot better on the standard bridgestones!
Baryonyx said:
I definitely think changing to a different car is a good idea if thats what you're after, I simply feel that the mediocre 350Z is a fairly dull choice and you could enjoy so much more for your money. Given your age and NCB, you could struggle to get insurance with some cars but that doesn't stop speculative searching. I know you've said you don't like the S2000 but thats where I would be looking if I were you (if you could get insurance, and thats a big 'if'). Thrilling to drive with a bombastic engine, great styling and pleasingly impractical. I sometimes feel like I should get one myself, but then I have other plans...
I like the idea of the S2k and have heard nothing but good things about them but I'm 6'3" and not of the slightest build! It looks as though I'd be quite cramped in one?ecommsmith said:
Baryonyx said:
I definitely think changing to a different car is a good idea if thats what you're after, I simply feel that the mediocre 350Z is a fairly dull choice and you could enjoy so much more for your money. Given your age and NCB, you could struggle to get insurance with some cars but that doesn't stop speculative searching. I know you've said you don't like the S2000 but thats where I would be looking if I were you (if you could get insurance, and thats a big 'if'). Thrilling to drive with a bombastic engine, great styling and pleasingly impractical. I sometimes feel like I should get one myself, but then I have other plans...
I like the idea of the S2k and have heard nothing but good things about them but I'm 6'3" and not of the slightest build! It looks as though I'd be quite cramped in one?ecommsmith said:
I like the idea of the S2k and have heard nothing but good things about them but I'm 6'3" and not of the slightest build! It looks as though I'd be quite cramped in one?
That was a problem for me with my MX5. I'm 6'1" and it was cramped in there. By the S2000 interior is laid out a bit better and not quite so low slung so I suspect over the long journey it may be more comfortable. It certainly won't kill you, cruising to Preston in it, though you may feel a little stiff afterwards. I'd still look at them, but check out some insurance prices first because they tend to be very, very expensive for what they are. Froomee said:
Try an S2000 i think you may be surprised................. opt for a Gt if your budget allows............
Oh see now I was never mad keen on the S2k and I've just seen this in the classifiedshttp://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1168205.htm
Quite tasty!
I've got a 350z (313) and to be honest I don't love it.
If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
Baryonyx said:
Indeed, the 350Z is not particularly fast .
especially given Nissan's track record for producing incredible cars.
Your first statement has me stumped, just what would you call fast exactly;especially given Nissan's track record for producing incredible cars.
280hp version; 0 - 62 mph 5.9 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Your second statement I take as being sarcastic? As Nissan up until recently, and certainly large swaithes of the 80s, 90s and 00s, made mostly worthy but dull cars.
I'm 6'2 and have an S2000 as my daily. I took a few minutes to get the seat position perfect (i.e. distance and angle suited for me without the back of the chair rubbing and causing a very annoying squeak) but otherwise it is a very comfortable place to be. Plenty of elbow room and head room. The steering wheel is locked in place though, but definitely worth a test drive to see how you get on.
I did test a 350z before buying the S2K and found the Nissan's interior felt far more dated than the Honda's, and it was overall not suited for my needs as a daily. Lovely engine though. I would have had a 370z if my budget could have stretched that far.
I did test a 350z before buying the S2K and found the Nissan's interior felt far more dated than the Honda's, and it was overall not suited for my needs as a daily. Lovely engine though. I would have had a 370z if my budget could have stretched that far.
-Z- said:
I've got a 350z (313) and to be honest I don't love it.
If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
I don't know if I'd prefer a more planted feel that just goes to be honest! Got the ZR into a spin (off some ice) and to say it was a panicky rather than fun moment would be an understatement). If I buy a 350z I'll be looking to keep it for a long while and thinking of getting something like an RX7 to rebuild and turn into a track toy for the fund side of things. I'd like the 350z just to be a big powerful cruiser that pulls like anything (just love that about certain cars) yet remains composed!If I had a straight choice between my old Monaro VXR or the 350z, I'd take the Monaro everytime.
For me the lack of enjoyment comes down to the fact that driving it day to day it hasn't got enough power to upset its composure without driving like an idiot.
e.g. the Monaro had so much low down torque/power which when combined a relatively primitive chassis setup meant that it was really easy to have lots of safe, slow speed fun. The 350z is too composed and just doesn't have enough power to be able to upset it at slower speeds.
And on another note it doesn't sound nice above 2500rpm which is a bit of a bummer.
If its any help I went from a 1.4 n reg Almera to my vx220 3 months ago and so far I'm still alive! Have had warm hatches prior to the Almera, but once you make the jump you wonder why it took so long. Ok, so I don't have 300 bhp, but the leap in performance is bloody massive! Plus its my first rwd car.
I am slightly older with more years on the road but was still slightly daunted by the change, but I'm very glad I did it!
I am slightly older with more years on the road but was still slightly daunted by the change, but I'm very glad I did it!
I'd say, financial considerations aside, the biggest issue is that 2-seater cars always bite your in the arse eventually...
You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
johnpeat said:
I'd say, financial considerations aside, the biggest issue is that 2-seater cars always bite your in the arse eventually...
You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
Only use them for ferrying people around. Got access to an S-Type and a Corsa if needs be. Only thing I've ever used them for apart from other people who don't need to be there is for carting gear to and from festivals! Though someone else can drive to those You don't use the back seats in your car? Just wait until they're not there and you'll find out what they're for
Same tends to apply to cars with crap bootspace - I never realised how much stuff I put into car boots until I owned a New Beetle
If you have access to another car, it's not so bad, but owning a 2-seater only will usually become a pain and that's worth considering...
V88Dicky said:
Your first statement has me stumped, just what would you call fast exactly;
280hp version; 0 - 62 mph 5.9 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Your second statement I take as being sarcastic? As Nissan up until recently, and certainly large swaithes of the 80s, 90s and 00s, made mostly worthy but dull cars.
Well, it does look fairly quick on paper. But as I say, the overall experience is very underwhelming. They never feel that fast, certainly. And they sound dull. And the look fat and feel heavy. And they are no great steer etc etc280hp version; 0 - 62 mph 5.9 seconds
Top speed 155 mph
Your second statement I take as being sarcastic? As Nissan up until recently, and certainly large swaithes of the 80s, 90s and 00s, made mostly worthy but dull cars.
But all you have to do is look back at the Skylines, the March Super Turbo, the 200SX, the R90C. I'll admit, most of what Nissan make is dull, day-to-day crap, but when they put their mind to it they can turn out cars of huge merit. Just look at the current GT-R.
johnpeat said:
I'd say, financial considerations aside, the biggest issue is that 2-seater cars always bite your in the arse eventually...
I justified this with the knowledge that Enterprise car rental is a 5 minute drive from my house. I used my back seats/boot once, maybe twice a year. You can hire a decent hatchback for <£25 when you need it... which is definitely worth considering when it allows you to enjoy the rwd, top down fun of a roadster on a regular basis Baryonyx said:
Well, it does look fairly quick on paper. But as I say, the overall experience is very underwhelming. They never feel that fast, certainly. And they sound dull. And the look fat and feel heavy. And they are no great steer etc etc
But all you have to do is look back at the Skylines, the March Super Turbo, the 200SX, the R90C. I'll admit, most of what Nissan make is dull, day-to-day crap, but when they put their mind to it they can turn out cars of huge merit. Just look at the current GT-R.
Bit of a massive price jump between those cars though isn't there? 350z's were what sub £30k when new? Same for the 370z. I don't think any of those cars mentioned carried the £70k plus price tag on the GT-R?But all you have to do is look back at the Skylines, the March Super Turbo, the 200SX, the R90C. I'll admit, most of what Nissan make is dull, day-to-day crap, but when they put their mind to it they can turn out cars of huge merit. Just look at the current GT-R.
ecommsmith said:
Bit of a massive price jump between those cars though isn't there? 350z's were what sub £30k when new? Same for the 370z. I don't think any of those cars mentioned carried the £70k plus price tag on the GT-R?
The point I am making is that the 350Z is a fairly average car. I make mention of the GT-R specifically because of it's super-car frightening ability, not because of it's price tag. If anything, it illustrates Nissan's ability to make cars that punch above their weight in terms of bang:buck. Which is where the 350Z is such a flop. Because it's startlingly average. It's no thriller and it will never be a performance icon, but then I suppose it was never meant to be. The same money, directed towards an Impreza, a Lancer Evolution, a Skyline or whatever takes your fancy (and notice I'm only looking at Japanese cars here too) will no doubt be a far better car to own and enjoy. As I say, the most exciting thing my neighbour ever did with his 350Z was crash it into a telegraph pole whilst trying to swat a wasp. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff