350Z roadster...have you got one?
Discussion
I reckon I fancy a roadster of some kind, as my next car, and a 350Z roaster seems to fit the bill. The only problem is that I love the look of the coupe but the roadster is a bit odd looking - it's the loooooong boot area that just doesn't sit right!! Thing is, the rest of the package seems perfect so maybe I can overlook the er, looks...
Just wondering if any of you guys own a Z roadster and have maybe tried to improve it by maybe adding a small spoiler or something [would this help] - any pics?
other options:
- BMW Z4 3.0 Si [not very special as there's a lot about?]
- S2000 [I love how the S looks but I'm really tall so getting in one is a bit of an issue and I think I fancy more pooooower]
- Boxster [could be expensive to own, compared to the other cars?]
- BMW Z4M [perfect but expensive like the Porker to run]
Just wondering if any of you guys own a Z roadster and have maybe tried to improve it by maybe adding a small spoiler or something [would this help] - any pics?
other options:
- BMW Z4 3.0 Si [not very special as there's a lot about?]
- S2000 [I love how the S looks but I'm really tall so getting in one is a bit of an issue and I think I fancy more pooooower]
- Boxster [could be expensive to own, compared to the other cars?]
- BMW Z4M [perfect but expensive like the Porker to run]
Edited by BUG4LIFE on Wednesday 24th October 10:55
S2000 is a fun car to drive, lots of revs, lots of steer from the rear and if it is your cup of tea there is lots of modifications to do! They are quite good price wise at the moment especially as we are heading into the Winter so not really a wide tire, rear wheel drive convertible season! But very good car to drive when conditions permit.
Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
JulesB said:
S2000 is a fun car to drive, lots of revs, lots of steer from the rear and if it is your cup of tea there is lots of modifications to do! They are quite good price wise at the moment especially as we are heading into the Winter so not really a wide tire, rear wheel drive convertible season! But very good car to drive when conditions permit.
Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
I do like the RX8 mate, especially the R3 versions - but for my next car I'm just not sure it would have enough oomph!Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
BUG4LIFE said:
LordGrover said:
JulesB said:
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
... or has plenty of power, just too much weight. 
BUG4LIFE said:
I do like the RX8 mate, especially the R3 versions - but for my next car I'm just not sure it would have enough oomph!
Have you ever had a play in one? Few simple mods can help up the power, remap and decat exhaust helps a lot, some people turbo/supercharge them but i'd imagine this would put too much strain on what is already percieved as a delicate engine!JulesB said:
BUG4LIFE said:
I do like the RX8 mate, especially the R3 versions - but for my next car I'm just not sure it would have enough oomph!
Have you ever had a play in one? Few simple mods can help up the power, remap and decat exhaust helps a lot, some people turbo/supercharge them but i'd imagine this would put too much strain on what is already percieved as a delicate engine!
LordGrover said:
Yep. Loved mine. Mine was the 'middle' spec, MY2007 - quick enough in a drag race a but a bit lardy in the twisties. Great car, well made and good fun.
I'd have a coupe in a second, but I really can't make my mind up about the rear end of the roadster! I see you've had a Griffith too - that would be the perfect roadster, if I could use it everyday to get to work etc!Edited by BUG4LIFE on Wednesday 24th October 15:46
I have an '09' run out model roadster GT (UK spec.) and whilst its looks are a metter of personal taste, I like it a lot. Its possible to improve its performamce dramatically. A proper remap will be the best mod and will remove the throttle restrictions in the first three gears enabling you to actually get full throttle which is limited from the factory. There is an improvement on top end power and torque but the biggest difference is the delivery mid range which makes the engine come alive. In my case I had the restrictive 'Y' pipe replaced with a Motordyne one and a single race cat which makes for an even better drive. Noise is not too loud as I retained the stock cat back system which is quite efficient and no problems with emissions at MoT time either. Its how it should have come out of the factory. So while it is a bit on the heavy side, primarily beacuse of all the powered options, hood, seats and so on its still lighter than some of its competitors, check out the weight of an Alfa Romeo Brera or late model Spider for example! 
If you're not bothered about roof off motoring then go for the Coupe as its lighter, stiffer chassis and cheaper. Do go for the above mods it'll make all the difference at moderate cost also.
If you're not bothered about roof off motoring then go for the Coupe as its lighter, stiffer chassis and cheaper. Do go for the above mods it'll make all the difference at moderate cost also.
xyyman said:
I have an '09' run out model roadster GT (UK spec.) and whilst its looks are a metter of personal taste, I like it a lot. Its possible to improve its performamce dramatically. A proper remap will be the best mod and will remove the throttle restrictions in the first three gears enabling you to actually get full throttle which is limited from the factory. There is an improvement on top end power and torque but the biggest difference is the delivery mid range which makes the engine come alive. In my case I had the restrictive 'Y' pipe replaced with a Motordyne one and a single race cat which makes for an even better drive. Noise is not too loud as I retained the stock cat back system which is quite efficient and no problems with emissions at MoT time either. Its how it should have come out of the factory. So while it is a bit on the heavy side, primarily beacuse of all the powered options, hood, seats and so on its still lighter than some of its competitors, check out the weight of an Alfa Romeo Brera or late model Spider for example!
If you're not bothered about roof off motoring then go for the Coupe as its lighter, stiffer chassis and cheaper. Do go for the above mods it'll make all the difference at moderate cost also.
Nice man...you've just made me want a roadster that like bit more If you're not bothered about roof off motoring then go for the Coupe as its lighter, stiffer chassis and cheaper. Do go for the above mods it'll make all the difference at moderate cost also.
I think I could put up with the slightly odd looks of the drop-top because it ticks just about every other box!Can I ask you a slightly less important question though: how's the front bumper holding up, I hear it loves a stone chip or 100!!!
JulesB said:
S2000 is a fun car to drive, lots of revs, lots of steer from the rear and if it is your cup of tea there is lots of modifications to do! They are quite good price wise at the moment especially as we are heading into the Winter so not really a wide tire, rear wheel drive convertible season! But very good car to drive when conditions permit.
Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
I certainly wouldn't say the 350z lacked power, especially next to an rx8 (200 bhp per tonne vs 138 bhp per tonne). Look at the huge difference in 0-100 mph - 12.7 vs 18.6Couldn't comment on the Z4's, I think they are a brilliant looking car but I have never driven one so no comments to add really.
Personally I would steer clear of the Boxter, not really my cup of tea but apparently handling is brilliant in them.
350Z is a lovely car but lacks power!
Have you considered an RX8? Lots of horror stories surrounding them but if you can get your hands on a well maintained one (which there are lots about) then they are a brilliant car, they lack torque in lower revs but have plenty of get up and go when you are giving it stick, the handling is brilliant, fun car to drive! (I am slightly biased though!)
http://www.fastestlaps.com/comparisons/nissan_350z...
BUG4LIFE said:
Nice man...you've just made me want a roadster that like bit more I think I could put up with the slightly odd looks of the drop-top because it ticks just about every other box!
Can I ask you a slightly less important question though: how's the front bumper holding up, I hear it loves a stone chip or 100!!!
Stone chips have been remarkably absent and I do mixed driving, country roads included, there's no aftermarket paint protection either other than good quality wax polish. The car it replaced, a 916 Alfa Spider, was very prone to chips, same roads same polish, maybe down to aerodynamics. Mind you where I live the council don't do gritting so that's not a problem, although that causes other issues! I think I could put up with the slightly odd looks of the drop-top because it ticks just about every other box!Can I ask you a slightly less important question though: how's the front bumper holding up, I hear it loves a stone chip or 100!!!
I kept this, from new, for three years - the longest I've ever kept a car. That should tell you how much I loved it. I bumped into it again recently and the current owner (only the second) loves it as much.
Superb car, did not put a foot wrong in any way shape or form in the three years. Fast enough, handled brilliantly, looked great IMO. Was an '06 309hp model.
Only replaced it as I got a stupendous deal on this..
I replaced that with an IS-F, which I loved, before the lure of a topless Datsun has me now driving this...
Happy to help with any specific Qs you may have
Superb car, did not put a foot wrong in any way shape or form in the three years. Fast enough, handled brilliantly, looked great IMO. Was an '06 309hp model.
Only replaced it as I got a stupendous deal on this..
I replaced that with an IS-F, which I loved, before the lure of a topless Datsun has me now driving this...
Happy to help with any specific Qs you may have
The '06 plate roadster was one of the first 309hp models (was that a whole new engine - I don't recall?), and the '58 plate coupe was a 313hp model, so no real difference tbh between them.
Not earth shatteringly fast by any means, but fast enough to put a smile on my face!
Touching wood whilst I say this, but not had one single thing go wrong on any of the three Zs. Oil usage minimal, so really only need annual services, and apart from that it's fuel in, and off you go.
Not earth shatteringly fast by any means, but fast enough to put a smile on my face!
Touching wood whilst I say this, but not had one single thing go wrong on any of the three Zs. Oil usage minimal, so really only need annual services, and apart from that it's fuel in, and off you go.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think the 3 version of the 350 came in 276bhp, 296bhp and 309bhp [the 309 having the bonnet bulge]...313 refers to PS. I'm being pedantic though, and possibly wrong
I love the look of your 370 roadster buddy, especially in that colour, and strangely I quite like the idea of the auto [is yours auto or manual?] - I'm 6' 6" so an auto would mean I could keep my rather long left leg out of the way!
I love the look of your 370 roadster buddy, especially in that colour, and strangely I quite like the idea of the auto [is yours auto or manual?] - I'm 6' 6" so an auto would mean I could keep my rather long left leg out of the way!
You may well be right tbh, what's a few hp either way?
All three Zs are manuals - just prefer it that way - and there's plenty of head and foot space for a tall'un in there. I'm not sure if they officially sold auto 350s in the UK, so I believe any you see would be JDM imports.
However, based on my hp confusion above, you should obviously take anything I say with a large pinch of salt!
All three Zs are manuals - just prefer it that way - and there's plenty of head and foot space for a tall'un in there. I'm not sure if they officially sold auto 350s in the UK, so I believe any you see would be JDM imports.
However, based on my hp confusion above, you should obviously take anything I say with a large pinch of salt!
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