330i ZHP VS 350Z
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) and a 3700ish curb weight doesn't hold fast during the chicane's.
It's pretty simple. Nissan makes the 350Zs out of parts that are readily avaiable. The 3.5 liter engine is the same one used in the Maxima, the Infiniti G35, and probably some other models I don't know about. The platform is also shared with the G35 and the Murano. The development of a new chassis usually costs somewhere around $1 billion, building it on the same platform as other common models greatly reduces price, and prestige.
Sorry folks, but the Z is going to win on the track as well. It is not that heavy, particularly when compared to the E46, and is not simply a straight-line machine. It is very capable on a track, more so than a stock E46 330, even with the ZHP.
They are different machines with different purposes, but the typical BMW owner response of "you would have had him in the twisties" does not fly in this comparison.
They are different machines with different purposes, but the typical BMW owner response of "you would have had him in the twisties" does not fly in this comparison.
coming from a Z, into a 330 with sport package, i notice a difference in the torque and h/p but it's also due to moving from a 6MT to an AUTO/steptronic (wanted MT but found a deal that i couldn't pass up on). The 330 is my first AUTO that I've ever owned and it's taking some getting used to. In fact, been talking with the dealer and tracking when DINAN is coming to town to see if I can get "hooked up" with some minor things like software upgrade and such.
anyway, while the 330 with PP might hang relatively well with the Z in straight line, i don't think it would in the curves. the car, while a little on the heavy side, really handles well. i ran with a guy in an M3 out on the Natchez Trace (very windy road over here in Nashville with virtually no traffic..) and he noted that it took all he had just to keep up at a pace of about 5 car lengths behind.
like was mentioned earlier, they are very different cars. the Z's more of a "toy" while the 330 is a well blended combination of performance and practicality. I love my 330, but only simply enjoyed the Z.
anyway, while the 330 with PP might hang relatively well with the Z in straight line, i don't think it would in the curves. the car, while a little on the heavy side, really handles well. i ran with a guy in an M3 out on the Natchez Trace (very windy road over here in Nashville with virtually no traffic..) and he noted that it took all he had just to keep up at a pace of about 5 car lengths behind.
like was mentioned earlier, they are very different cars. the Z's more of a "toy" while the 330 is a well blended combination of performance and practicality. I love my 330, but only simply enjoyed the Z.
I thought the Z was very fast at speeds in excess of 80mph, but only average at lower speeds. It handles better than the xi but had too much understeer. I traded mine in for the xi because the Z was horrendous in snow and way too harsh of a ride.
350Z Specs:
http://www.car-forums.com/car_specs/spec8.html
350Z Specs:
http://www.car-forums.com/car_specs/spec8.html
i'm talking about overall responsiveness in windy roads, not a straight shot. i am sure, that there may have been/were a lot of factors (i.e. his driving skills, not turning off traction control, etc.) who knows? but the point i was trying to make was that the M3 was more in-line in a comparison to the Z than a 330.
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