uberf1end Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Hi All, After spending a couple of months agonising over a shortlist of cars, I have decided on a 350Z and have a test drive booked tomorrow. However, I am a little worried that I may have made the wrong decision! I love the look of the Zed, like the levels of equipment and comfort etc and I am sure I will enjoy the handling of the car. However, the Evo review says the engine is a little 'uninspiring' and a friend of mine who drove one recently (and opted for an Elise 111s instead) confirmed. They both reckon it doesn't feel like a near-300bhp car and can feel a little sluggish. I know I will find this out tomorrow but do people think this is a fair comment? I worry as I have always thought the engine is the most important part of a sports car (I have a history with Alfa and some high-revving Japanese engines). Can anyone set my mind at rest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 the engine is very smooth, so its deceiving how quick you are going, it can get up to high speeds quickly but does lack a feeling of urgency imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinmac Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I think a few who have tracked them may disagree. I guess it largely depends what you are used to. I dont think its uninspiring Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S1 HNK Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 the power delivery is very linear and as such its deceptively fast. I agree its not going to win any awards for the engine but in terms of the torque it delivers and the great soundtrack its perfectly suited to the car. I certainly wouldn't class the elise 111s in the same bracket as the Zed though! I would be very suprised if you sign on tomorrow being dissapointed with your test drive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcash5 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Elise to a 350z is like chalk and cheese. Remember this is more of GT cruiser than a track car, if you want a track toy you are probably looking in the wrong place. The accelleration will not throw you back in the seat its a smooth torque curve that will sit at 100+ mph at relatively low rev's. This is a 1.5 tonne car that revs to 6700/ 7k depending on the engine. I believe the review refers to the 267 engine on the 297 and 313 is 'Honestly we are struggling' 5*'s You want electric handling - buy an elise You want lightning accelleration - buy a TVR/Evo/GTR etc You want a beautiful looking/smooth and quick cheap car - 350z is your car! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uberf1end Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcash5 Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Easy way to think about it.... Boxster - Poor mans porsche Elise - Awesome but specialist BMW Z3 - be prepared for lots of hair dresser comments and in my opinion doesnt look too hot! VX220 - its a Vauxhall! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 pretty much the list i went through inc the s2000 the vx220 turbo is a go cart, loved it but couldnt live with it same as the elise s2 boxster too common audi tt too boring, lacks driver feel imo bmw - not for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! Out of the cars you have listed i would take the zed every time, and i am not been biased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seopher Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! Depending on your milage and spanner-abilities, early 00's Cerbera's are becoming quite affordable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! Depending on your milage and spanner-abilities, early 00's Cerbera's are becoming quite affordable affordable to buy but to run..? still love them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uberf1end Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 Easy way to think about it.... Boxster - Poor mans porsche Elise - Awesome but specialist BMW Z3 - be prepared for lots of hair dresser comments and in my opinion doesnt look too hot! VX220 - its a Vauxhall! I sort of agree with all of your comments but in my 'mental pros and cons list', they all have aspects that I prefer to the Zed which is what makes it so hard. Also, I would urge anyone to drive the VX220 before dismissing it. If the option is ever there, drive it. It truly is an awesome machine. I used to have a kit car with a Honda Fireblade engine (440kg, 135 bhp) and the VX220T is the only thing that has ever come close for exhilaration. It does say something however that so many owners completely debadge! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilsheepshagga_turbo Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Easy way to think about it.... Boxster - Poor mans porsche Elise - Awesome but specialist BMW Z3 - be prepared for lots of hair dresser comments and in my opinion doesnt look too hot! VX220 - its a Vauxhall! o dear lord........ vx220 comment... o dear o dear o dear.. you've got a 52 reg nissan.... hahaha atleast own a ferrari or summin and then say that... ho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Easy way to think about it.... Boxster - Poor mans porsche Elise - Awesome but specialist BMW Z3 - be prepared for lots of hair dresser comments and in my opinion doesnt look too hot! VX220 - its a Vauxhall! I sort of agree with all of your comments but in my 'mental pros and cons list', they all have aspects that I prefer to the Zed which is what makes it so hard. Also, I would urge anyone to drive the VX220 before dismissing it. If the option is ever there, drive it. It truly is an awesome machine. I used to have a kit car with a Honda Fireblade engine (440kg, 135 bhp) and the VX220T is the only thing that has ever come close for exhilaration. It does say something however that so many owners completely debadge! i have driven a few and anyone who says its just a vauxhall hasn't been in one, superb chassis and mega engine getting in and out is difficult with the roof on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uberf1end Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! Depending on your milage and spanner-abilities, early 00's Cerbera's are becoming quite affordable I am reasonably handy with the old spanners and I have considered it...However, I used to go to Le Mans every year and always went the long way as the drive was such a laugh. Over a few years, we did an unofficial survey of the cars spotted on the side of the road...two marques dominated - TVR came a close second to the MGs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 That's pretty much what I was expecting to hear. I just think I am having trouble deciding for definite what I want from the car...I am sure it is a problem other have but I agonise over new car decisions for ages. My list was/is: 350Z - gorgeous but maybe doesn't 'feel' quick enough Boxster S - refined, reliable but a bit dull and common S2 Elise 111s - track tool VX220 Turbo - beast but still a Vauxhall and possibly so impractical I will hate it quite quickly BMW Z3 M Roadster - fabulous engine, quick but handling a bit dodgy As you can see, I am all over the shop! In fact, looking at it now I have written it down, the Zed is almost the happy medium...perhaps it makes perfect sense! almost identical list i had except swap the porsche for an S2000. and change the z3 roadster to the coupe and add an audi tt 350Z - looks, creature comforts, affordability, torque Boxster S - expensive parts, common, didn't like the interior, people hate you. S2 Elise 111s - awesome performance, but too stripped back for everyday use, lacks creature comforts VX220 Turbo - same as the lotus, but with the advantage of vauxhall service costs BMW Z3 M roadster - BMW build quality quick but handling a bit dodgy z3 m coupe - beuatiful (personal preference) just out of my price range S2000 - great engine, b ut has to be thrashed to get most of it, looks to girly TT - everybody has one, bit girly, lacks driver feel that was my feeling. you'll probably find that most people on here had a fairly simialr short list. for me the Zed offered the best of many areas, part of my deciding factor was my missus wouldn't get in the elise or the vx, said it wasn't a proper car it had no carpet and was made of plastic that and the zed had a more useable boot. i also liked the fact that i had torque something that was missing in my mr2 roadster which was great to drive but like the s2000 it has to be driven above 4500 rpm to get the most out of it. this is possibly the same with the lotus as it uses the same toyota engines as the mr2. at the end of the day it come sdown to personal preference and what you think is right for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uberf1end Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 My good lady shares a similar opinion on the Vx and Elise but I think I can get away with it if I decide to go that way. Good to know lots of people had exactly the same list as me (shouldn't be surprised really, choices are limited). I am slowly becoming more convinced there are only two options (Z3 M roadster and the 350Z) so we shall see what tomorrow's drive throws up. It is a shame the TT is such a lifeless driving experience as you get a whole lot of car for not a lot of money these days - even more affordable than the Zed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marzman Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Is this car going to be your daily driver/only car? The zed is the only car in our house and its very easy to live with... The boot is plenty big enough for us, and its comfy for long journeys. I couldnt live with an elise/vx. Also, i think the Z3M is a damn ugly car, so i dont think it'll much of a head turner, unlike the zed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtbiscuit Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 My good lady shares a similar opinion on the Vx and Elise but I think I can get away with it if I decide to go that way. Good to know lots of people had exactly the same list as me (shouldn't be surprised really, choices are limited). I am slowly becoming more convinced there are only two options (Z3 M roadster and the 350Z) so we shall see what tomorrow's drive throws up. It is a shame the TT is such a lifeless driving experience as you get a whole lot of car for not a lot of money these days - even more affordable than the Zed. between the 2 i'd go with the zed, the z4 is good, but there is more chassis role (expected on a convertible) that and they are more common and abit feminine. i'm a stocky bloke and found the z4 roadster was not my thing i wasn't metrosexual enough to carry it off, made me look a little bit gay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3FIDDYZ Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Z3M Not bad but expensive to keep on the road... quite a few have seal issues (unless its a coupe!) Z4 nice but sloppy steering, need to go 3.0 or above Boxter shocking driving position Elise not a daily driver but would have one any day! VX220 see above but I dont really like the shape TT older ones starting to have issues with seals ets (something with german cars?) S2000 as others have said Zed has its problems, but agree with all above! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 The main issue here is that the OP can't decide what he want from the car. Untill he does most positive and negative things about all cars are null and void. If he wants blistering pace then its elise/vx etc. If he wants creature comforts (which is to the detriment of blistering pace) and a GT criser then it swings the zeds way.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I agree its not going to win any awards for the engine Really???????? http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_story_behind_wards_5/ I beg to differ....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK350Z Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 Thought that Elise engines sounded as average as most other 4-pots? The Zed is pretty quiet out the box, but you don't want a big noise when your cruising. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beavis Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I agree its not going to win any awards for the engine Really???????? http://wardsautoworld.com/ar/auto_story_behind_wards_5/ I beg to differ....... +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanS16 Posted February 11, 2009 Share Posted February 11, 2009 I dont think the engine is the problem at all - I think its the Zeds fat arse. The engine is awesome. Many people say its the best sounding V6 they have ever heard - and it hardly underperforms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.