By that same train of thought then why is the 330Ci considered a market competitor to the CL even though it normally runs over 40k?? The Vette and M Coupe are in the same market class.

The SC430 is not due to being a luxury convertible and a cruiser, not a hard core sports car

 

Maybe I can add some useful information to this forum

 

I have yet to find an "affordable" car with an interior that I like as much as that of my CL-S. Everyone compliments my interior when they get in my car, I can just imagine how much more they'd comment if I had the nice navi screen too. Even the few people that have had to use the backseat have good comments.

I don't think the G35's interior comes close to ours. I didn't like it one bit, but I've only driven the sedan. The cheap materials and placement of controls just didn't feel right, especially the power seat controls. Also, the manual shift mode felt weird and would start out in 4th gear, even if I was at a complete stop, is this normal on the G35?

 

Guys...I think the reason were having a problem classifying the Z is that it doesn't really fit into any of the current "classes"

In a way...the CL-S is similar...where else can you get a sports coupe with as much quality, power and looks as the CL has for just over 30 grand??

The Z is the same, it doesn't fit with the upper level 2 seaters mainly because of price (a Z can be had for 26K)...but also because of HP. It doesn't fit with the lower "pony-car" class because it only has 2 seats and it's main focus is NOT straight line power. It also doesn't fit in the S2000s class because it doesn't have a drop top YET.

Why don't we just say that the Z is in it's own class and all get along??

 

Do you all know what class the Z is in?

The answer is.....well, for now it's in its own class. The other prominent members of the Z's class are currently absent.

Do we all remember when the 300ZX competed with the Supra, the 3000GT and the RX-7.

There's your class right there!! And, because three of those members are conspicuously absent, comparisons are difficult to come by.

The S2000, WRX etc. are in the group that used to include the Preluds, the 240SX and the Talon/Eclipse. These were the baby 4-banger brothers to the big boys.

Let's get one thing straight--the Boxster never was and never will be in the class of the 350Z. It, just like all the M cars are a league above the Z--closer to the G35 coupe, but still not in the same league.

And, even while the old 300Z used to square off against the Corvette every once and awhile those cars are not even close to one another--it was always a stretch of a comparison.

 

jinx dude....you owe me a coke

 

I sold my last car within a week and got my CL-S one night I got drunk...couldn't drive...had to ride in the back seat. IT SUCKED! I never thought about it before. Now, during the test drives (I know this sounds weird and pretentious), but I want to know what it's like riding in the back.
Cheap materials? If that is the case...I will be looking at a different car...even though the performance/rear drive/price point is very attractive. I think the car makers are finallly starting to realize that the American public is not as dumb as everyone makes us out to be. Quite the opposite, instead. We want performance, value, AND luxury in a <i>somewhat</i> affordable car. As it stands, so far Acura is the frontrunner in this biz. Maybe, just maybe, Infiniti is gonna learn something. We'll see.

 

Actually, the early-mid 90s 300ZX could be compared to the vettes of its time. Why? Because back then, the performance numbers were close, although the vette had a slight edge. And even price was close. The twin turbo Z, used cost over $40k.
Just an FYI

 

Why don't you actually check out a G35 and decide on the interior quality and style by yourself. Do you always listen to movie critics when they tell you a movie that you want to see sucks???

 

Uh, that's why I said "We'll see". Can't drive a G35 Coupe until November..


And no, I don't listen to movie critics. No more than I would listen to the somewhat incoherent raamblings of people such as yourself on a board like this. We were talking about interior quality, specs, etc. of a car; why you gotta go and make a comment like that is, well...not necessary. Thanks for your input, however. :pfawk:

 

I still disagree. Performance-wise, yes, the two cars are close. But the Z was a technologically advanced twin turbo rice burner while the Corvette, especially at that time, was an antiquated, low-revving pushrod V8 without much identity. The Corvette has always been the head of the Mustang/Camaro/Firebird class (until recently when it has become a true sportscar).

 

What about the ZR-1? Out of the same price range, but definitely a very advanced car for it's time...

 

Lesson learned, percieved market competition varies extremely from one individual to another...

 

Dude....relax...my comment was NOT intended to be negative....the way you originally posted...It sounded like you weren't even going to LOOK at the G35 because of what other people said.

 

There's a fuse that you can pull to prevent the window from going down when the door is open. There's also a sensor by the door jamb that can also be disabled for tinting purposes.

 

but i thought the whole reason for the window to come down is to that u can open the door??

sidemarker

 

every dealership i go to that has one says that you have to have the paperwork praticuly finished before even a test drive....what BS.....its not like its a lambo or porsche....damn rules

 

They were giving me a hassle about driving the Z here as well. I usually have no problem getting a car out for a test drive, one advantage to my occupation. The salesman had to go talk to his boss, but he was on the phone, etc, etc. It lasted about 15 min, and i left him my number and told him, if and when you want to sell a car, call me for a test drive until then i'm not even talking financing, price, options, etc. There was a message on the machine on saturday (was looking friday), guess next week.

I mean come on, it's a 35k nissan.

About the market field.

I agree it kind of stands out right now. It's not a 'super' sports coupe like M coupe, vette; it's not a roadster; it's not a pony car. It's a 2 seater, sports car with some styling pizazz, good power, and bargain price (a compromise as expected, it won't have the refinement, won't have the all out power or extreme handling, but for the majority of people it'll have enough of each when weighed against it's price).

I think once they come with a roadster, it will have a true market to compete in, but for now it's stand alone.

 

why would the z not be considered a roadster? is it cause its not a convertible?

sidemarker

 

Yes...roadsters are drop tops....

 

hehe

 

Since I just recently bought my CL-S MT, I have done a lot of car shopping recently.

In my mind, the Vette, M3 coupe were not in the same class, just a cut above only in terms of price. As 2 seat sports cars they are in the same class, but then so is a Lambo, Ferrari Enzo, and countless other 2 seat sports cars. Price is the big differentiating factor.

The S2000 was more in a class with the Z3's, SlK's, and Boxter's because of the drop top, but again the S2000's price puts in much more in line with the Z3 then the other two.

The Cl-S is more comparable to the G35 Coupe and BMW 3 Series Coupes, and ultimately that is the class I was deciding on.

Finally the Z was simply in a class of its own. I wanted one, but the dealers here are charging 5k over msrp and the wait is until December/January. And unfortunately, I need a car now.

 

the cl is more luxury and the z is more power, that is what you are paying for.

 

Hi folks. I haven't posted here for a while, used to follow the board because I was interested in a CL-S 6MT, but I have since decided to buy a Z. It (Chrome Silver, Touring, 6 speed) was delivered about a month ago, and I have to say, I made the right decision. The Z isn't all that hot inside. It's fairly plain, quite basic, and mostly plastic. However, that's the way it's supposed to be. My leather seats are great, very supportive and good looking. The driving position is excellent. The exterior way makes up for any interior faults. Basically, it's showcar level. People stare everywhere I go, mouths drop. The best aspects though, are the drive. The engine is great and the suspension is it's equal. The Z handles, to use an old cliche, like it's on rails.

Now, everybody keep in mind that I'm not dissing the CL. It's a nice car, a GREAT bargain for the price. However, if you're willing to sacrifice luxury for performance, the Z is more for you.

 

Whoah there! That's the first M Coupe I've ever found attractive. That thing looks wicked! Love it.

Btw, an I6 is so much nicer-sounding than any V6, IMHO.

 

The I6 from the M3 does not sound great at all. Very raspy. The I6 from the 330 sounds nice though.

I think our engines have a nice engine note personally

 

personally i disagree with how the interior feels, it is very plasticy, but everything feels very solid. The only thing i could ever see a problem developing with is the Cover for the cubby(or navi) in the dash.

There is auto off on the headlights, but it is 5 minutes.
And the back, well its a 2 seater hatchback, i dont see any other way to divide the 2 parts of the car.

 

Actually, the windows drop down a bit so that when you close the door, the window won't break. After the door is closed, the windows automatically rolls up for a snug fit against the car.

This poses a problem when tinting, thus the fuse and/or door sensor can be used to prevent the window from dropping down for tinting purposes.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TypeSKid
[B]an //M coupe is NO comparison at all for a 350Z.


An //M coupe is priced in the $40's if not higher for a new one. It will MURDER a Z in ALL ASPECTS.

yeah ok


you can compare the z to whatever you want , and everyones gonna have a diff opinion about what classifies a car in each class. bottom line is its ppphhhhaaaaattt! and ofcourse thats my own personal opinion!!

 

The I6 in the M-cars sounds like total ass....VERY raspy and tinny like cusdaddy said. My buddy even has Super Sprint exhaust on his '02 M3 and it makes the sound even WORSE.

 

i heard they are comming out with a turbo Z..is this correct?

 

OK, then if everyone doesn't like my M Coupe comparo, then how about the Z3 Coupe 3.0i?? It is in the mid 30's in price, a two seater coupe and designed to be a weekend racer!!:P :P :P

 

yes that is a good comparison

sidemarker