@AMT250 the zed is great for people to pub number quote. its got a V6 its got 309 bhp it does 0-60 in 5.7 sec etc etc. these are the factory figures. but you'd be hard put to actually get it to do a 0-60 in 5.7 its more like a dead on 6. you'd need to be a pro racer with a perfect gear change to get the acclaimed 5.7 sec.
what your also have to consider is the more real world facts that mean more like power to weight ratio. for instance the zed has about 180 bhp per ton as she's a heavy car. then compare it to say an old shape civic type R at just over 1.2 ton has 167 bhp per ton, thats just a difference of 13 bhp between the 2 cars, which is not alot. and why many owners have been suprised when they've kept up. do the states again for an early zed and its bhp per ton is 173 only a 6 bhp difference. thats just 1 car. then take into account some of the faster hot hatches.which are turbo'd etc, the difference becomes not alot.
now what the zed has over alot of these hot hatches is style, rear wheel drive, great poise and balance, the V6 gives great 60-100 acceleration, in gear torque. comfort and something that hasn't been an upgraded shopping cart with some new shiney bits and a better exhaust.
the zed is a great car, and a brilliant starting place for those moving from FWD to RWD its a very forgiving car in that respect; and while its weight is a disadvantage for some, its an advantage for others.
the cars V6 is its advantage and disadvantage. its power delivery is very linear, which is deceptive. you don;t feel like your going that fast or getting to the correct speed that quickly, but actually it does it very well. its this deceptiveness that i think leads to disappointment for some people, it takes some of the thrill/drama out of the acceleration.
people should love the car for what it is. a great japanese GT car with curvacious styling and something you'd want to be seen in.