Free test Drive of our rival Nissan 370Z at Ontario Place NOW!!!

[mena661]

At 3355 lbs, according to MT, the 370Z isn't exactly a pig. It's lighter than a 335i. The car I drove had better steering feel plus it was quicker. And it had more grip than my GXP (stock for stock) and that was the non sport package car!!! The 370Z's brakes were too touchy but had better feel. The Z's interior is WAY nicer. Base price on the new Z is $29,930. Base price on the GXP Coupe is $30,375. Pricing looks equal to me. And at this price, the Z is the better car out of the box, IMO.

The GXP would require mods not covered by warranty to equal the performance of the Z. Improving the steering on the GXP would require some trial and error not to mention the rack just feels slower than the Z. Now the steering isn't crap by any means it's just not as good as the Z, IMO. I've said this before but GM castrated the GXP with the BS eco car tires and the base Sentra brake pads. As far as the SCCA cars are concerned, that shows you what the Solstice is capable of. The Solstice chassis is definitely capable but the stock car is BS. GM should've never let this car leave the factory hampered like that.

[kwtoxman]

Interesting comments above, but the whole thread hijack started with...

Originally Posted by cooler2442 ..... the 370z blows the Solstice out of the water performance wise.

I still think a few comments above are wrong. It is quite easy to add a few mods to get close enough to the 370z to make it a drivers race without affecting warranty. The GM upgrade kit does not affect warranty at all as has been mentioned on the forum many many many times. And neither do new tires.

Also, SCCA A stock and C stock where the solstice has placed top 3 in nationals if not winning it in the last 3 years is a STOCK class. Stock suspension, etc. Even if people don't like things about the car or want some improvements.... the solstice is still a very strong stock offering and easily comparable to all its competition.

The debate wasn't about which car was better, it was pointing out the glaringly obvious flaws to the above quote.

Sure the car can be improved on and we all wish GM did more, but that is another topic.

I'll leave it at that so the OP can bring things back on topic and tell us how the day was. I was thinking of attending but the weather didn't cooperate for me.

[NavyKnight]

I was the last driver for this event and the 370Z. The strategy was to let everyone else line up for the 370Z, while I test drove all the other crappy cars and got used to the track. At the end when my time came, I had driven 12 cars already and knew how to drift these suckers in the small corners they give you. I turned off the VDC which is Nissan's version of traction control. Surprisingly the CUBE was a good car to drift around the corners as it was really predictable. I did not hit any cones in all 13 runs, and the officials thought they would have a "problem driver" to deal with during my first 2 runs, because there was tire screeching the entire time. But when they saw I didn't hit any cones, they just kept waving me on to try the other cars. Also they scared our group by saying each cone you hit would cost you $15.

So pound per pound at STOCK config, the 370Z is equiped with 30% better performance parts than the GXP such as the tires, the suspension, smaller steering wheel and firmness. The 370Z did have a BIG END that is not as predictable as the GXP. The 370z is more firm and has more usable torque than the GXP with no "turbo spool then lag" characteristic. However I didn't feel "close to the ground" like I do with the Solstice. The Solstice's steering is more mushy than the 370Z, yet predictable, but the larger weight of the 370z can definitely be felt. Braking on the 370Z is superior than the GXP. The 370Z feels like a smaller car, but heavier. Acceleration on the 370Z is not as pronounced as my GXP. You don't feel the kick/fear when full throttle on the 370z, but on the Solstice you do.
If both cars are at the equal price, I would still pick the Solstice because of the following reasons:

1. The Solstice looks better.
2. The Solstice has a stronger kick and excitement factor when accelerating.
3. The Solstice is more comfortable to sit in. The 370Z really squishes you, and I'm 5"8 @ 160lbs.
4. The 370Z just feels so heavy that you don't have a sense of full control as it's hard to "feel the ground". I can understand why the Solstice keeps winning racing events, because drivers can "feel the ground" and make better judgments on the constant racing dilemma: Power vs. Traction.

If the Solstice did not exist I would buy the 370Z convertible.

Here are the surprising positive discoveries of the 370Z:

1. The steering wheel is so small, like that of race cars. I didn't like it smaller, but I guess racers find smaller steering wheels more effective.
2. The suspension on the 370Z is soo stiff and tight. Makes the suspension on the stock Solstice feel mushy. On the flipside, the 370Z would not feel like a comfortable long distance vehicle.
3. The quality of the performance parts are very good for the price you are paying such as the Tires, suspension, rims and paddle shifters.
4. It feels tight like a BMW.
5. The interior storage compartments like the space behind the seats and other nooks and crannies really destroy the Solstice interior.

Does the 370Z blow the Solstice GXP out of the water? NO, is my opinion. Technically speaking is the 370Z better than the GXP? YES. Does the 370Z give the owner more excitement? NO. The Solstice will make an owner more happy and more excited behind the wheel. The 370Z feels like a bland/harsh go cart with a big arse.

I did ask, and they wouldn't allow me to drive my GXP on the same track. I got to sit in the GTR, but I will post that story in another topic.

I will try and post the video I took during my test drive and it will be available if you see the link below.

You Tube

The video is upside down because I had to hold the camera with my teeth. : ) Anyone know a good program that can rotate videos ?

[Craig Lewis]

While this thread is an invitation to the event, the VS discussion seems that it's right on topic.

Lol at holding camera in your teeth. I am supprized they allowed such spirited driving. Had you planned a kappa flash mob for the event, I would have surely come to comandere the track with a group of kars.

I am shocked to hear that you found the car tighter than a Kappa. I'd need a giant shoe horn and some grease to get in anything smaller.

The 350 is a pig in sports car terms. 400lbs is a significant measure. I'll stand by my comment. It's a nissan muscle car. Just a little low on power for it's weight.

MSRP comparisons didn't apply when I got my car. With their lowsy interest rate and limited discounts, the Nissan coupe was far more expensive than my ragtop. GM incentives along with favourable interest rates made my car several hundred dollars cheaper....PER month! When I was shopping, I saw a 350Z ragtop window sticker at 54,000 here in canada. My car listed at 39, and change and I got it for rediculously less than that.

If I were to shop between the GXP coupe and the 370 today, I would still choose the GXP if only for it's exclusivity.

I believe the Solstice styling to be timeless, where the Nissan is very trendy.

I am no 350/370 hater. They are definately an authentic enthusiasts choice. Maybe even a better built car. But I believe with only slight attentenion to some details and a few bucks, the Kappa car can be tuned to be far better sports car.

[NavyKnight]

Flash MOB. I like that concept. Imagine we were to do FLASH Mobbing using our Solstice's? That would be fun times. Then get people's reactions on video? This would be a new concept that would hit the news. "Local car clubs" randomly gathering in public places, then sudeenly dissappering !!

Yes, the Nissan 370Z has a tighter seat cuz the lip of the seats are so high they squish your legs together. So if you had any keys in your pockets, they would surely rip a hole through your pants, or even make dents in the leather.

The racing tires on the 370Z are nice, and I didn't even hear them squeel, maybe because it was raining all day. I just hate the F1's I got with my GXP. Will take care of that in the spring.

[mena661]

Does the 370Z blow the Solstice GXP out of the water? NO, is my opinion. Technically speaking is the 370Z better than the GXP? YES. Does the 370Z give the owner more excitement? NO. The Solstice will make an owner more happy and more excited behind the wheel. The 370Z feels like a bland/harsh go cart with a big arse.

I mostly agree here except I didn't feel the car was too heavy. I didn't get to drive it like you did. I might change my mind under those circumstances. I've driven a 335i and that felt heavy.

The racing tires on the 370Z are nice, and I didn't even hear them squeel, maybe because it was raining all day. I just hate the F1's I got with my GXP. Will take care of that in the spring.

I LOVE my Dunlops. What tires are you thinking about getting?

[NavyKnight]

I was thinking of Bridgestone Potenza's RE-11's. I do like how the treds on your tires look. I just like the philosophy of the RE-11's with the different channels.

[Craig Lewis]

After a few laps, 400lbs makes a huuuuuuge difference whether you feel it or not.

I still don't understand why the F1 is hated.

They squeel at the limit on purpose. To tell inexperienced drivers that they are asking for it. Seems like a good choice for a speedy car sold to the general public. Solstice insurance rates are pretty decent at that.

I only have issues with traction on very cold days. Even with the GMPP tune. I welcome low traction!!!! It's just more fun.

They are predictable and quiet while they rol.

Any worn tire will hydroplane on this car. My tires are getting pretty scary now that they are just about done, but with decent tread, they did fine for a 3000lbs car with 245's.

[e-sarge]

Originally Posted by Craig Lewis After a few laps, 400lbs makes a huuuuuuge difference whether you feel it or not. I still don't understand why the F1 is hated. They squeel at the limit on purpose. To tell inexperienced drivers that they are asking for it. Seems like a good choice for a speedy car sold to the general public. Solstice insurance rates are pretty decent at that. I only have issues with traction on very cold days. Even with the GMPP tune. I welcome low traction!!!! It's just more fun. They are predictable and quiet while they rol. Any worn tire will hydroplane on this car. My tires are getting pretty scary now that they are just about done, but with decent tread, they did fine for a 3000lbs car with 245's.

My experience with the F1 GS-2s is that they have always hydroplaned, right from the beginning.

However, Friday's run at T2TR-DH in Ohio was wet, and I learned something else about the GS2's -- they actually have great wet lateral traction once warmed up, even though my set are almost done (except for the actual standing water, where of course they still hydroplaned). So just like on dry pavement, they're a little slippery when cold, but when they are warm they stick pretty well, and give warnings before letting go (squealing when dry, scrubbing when wet).

Myself, I think I'm going to switch to Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 to see if they fix the hydroplaning problem. However, second choice would probably be to stay with the GS-2s.

[jimbo]

Sounds like fun. I don't think I would want to own one.

I rented a 350z from Avis for a day and it left me very beat up at the end of the day. The ride was more than punishing and the noise was extreme.

The #1 reason I like the Soltice is the car's looks. #2 is comfort. I am constantly baffled by the number of sports cars on the market that compromise all comfort for very high subjective numbers so the car magazines that track test them will give them high rankings. The Solstice has paid a heavy price for this by not being an edgy, jiggly sports car. It constantly gets downrated by magazine reviewers because the subjective skidpad and slalom numbers aren't right at the top of the list.

I don't begrudge all the folks who love their 350z, S2000 or MX5, but I live on the street -- not a race track. If it was not for the nice ride and decent sound level of the Solstice, I would not have bought a sports car at all.

The 350z has a lot going for it, but I found it extremely loud and very harsh riding. So, no thanks. Yes, it has that beautiful V6 motor, but no thanks -- not even so I can brag about my skidpad numbers. Besides, a good driver in a 350z is not going to be able to run away from a good driver in a Solstice GXP with the GMPP tune, on any road in America. You can add the Dragon to that list.

So, no thanks. Also, Nissan is getting knocked for the new 3.7L motor, which is getting more course and more harsh as they increase displacement. They took a nice, smooth 3.4L motor and as they've bumped it up, it is getting coarser and rougher. Not good. My 2.0L LNF is simply smooth as silk, no matter how many idiot reviewers don't agree.

Now, as I prepare to dismount my soapbox let me just say in closing, be prepared for all the coming "who cares about Jap cars, we only like the Solstice" posts. Among the major car forums I read, this forum has the fewest car enthusiasts. We have a lot of Solstice fans, but not a whole lot of car fans that love all manner of high performance cars. It is just the nature of this beast. There are a lot of "non car" people here who just fell in love with the looks of the Solstice, and it is the 1st and only fun car they ever owned, and the only one they didn't think of as a point A to point B People Mover.

FWIW, I offered a BUNCH of people a comparison ride in my MX5 on the I-70 Speedway at the inaugural 1st National in KC, and everybody turned me down but one single person. Just one person who wanted to be educated enough about the competition to be able to discuss it intelligently instead of dismissing it out of hand. Just one taker...

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by cooler2442 Yeah as if SCCA is the determining factor on what car is better or not. Why don't you go drag race or road course a 370z in your Solstice and see which is better Stock for Stock. It is obvious the Solstice was designed with SCCA in mind while other car's weren't. A stock 370z does 0-60 in 4.7 seconds and a 1/4 time of 13.3 which the Solstice can't touch at all in the Stock form. Also the lateral grip in turns is around 0.99 which the Solstice can't touch either. I know your trying to defend the car that you own but get over it, the Solstice isn't the best car in the world.

I'm with you in bellieving that parking lot racing doesn't count. It is fun and it is real. Kudos and congratulations to any one who masters the skills to win in parking lot racing. But frankly, the day that cars are SPECIFICALLY designed to race in parking lots, I will start respecting parking lot races. Cars with monster horsepower and corresponding weight are severely handicapped.

As long as cars are designed for gobbling roads up at at speed, the only racing that separates the men from the boys is out on the track, not a parking lot. No disrespect to parking lot racers as it looks like fun and looks very difficult to master, but it does NOT compare cars in the manner in which they were meant to be compared. When Ferraris start winning parking lot races, I'll pay attention.

[jimbo]

I thought the 370z was lighter than the 350z.

Also, some good drives have stated that driving a Solstice feels a LOT like driving a 350z. I'm pretty sure that the Drift King was one of them and said driivng the Solstice felt like driving a "Fairlady Z (Japanese name for it)."

To whoever is saying that the 370z is a heavy fat pig, I'm dying here with tears of laughter rolling down my face. Everybody in an MX-5 says that about the Solstice all day. Ah, the irony of reading that on the Solstice Forum!

And NavyKnight, your saying the Solstice GXP is just a lot more fun to drive than the 370, this is echoed in every review of the MX-5 and why it gets such high praise. The MX-5 is just flat out fun to drive and is more fun to drive than a Solstice. My Solstice GXP still feels bigger than the 3000 lb sports car it is. A big part of that is the high beltline. Some is the steering responsiveness, or lack thereof. I still love my Solstice because it is a comfortable mile eater that can still keep up or walk away from any stock MX-5, driver for driver. But it was interesting to say you felt your Solstlice was more fun to drive and more responsive than the Z, because I've always heard said the Solstice feels so much like driving a Z.

I assume you were in a coupe 370 and not a vert.

[NavyKnight]

Yes, I drove the 370Z coupe. I haven't drove an MX-5 yet, so maybe that's next, but I wouldn't ever purchase that girl car. It's slow as hell, so I don't know why it's owners would even talk. And how can the MX-5 Miata be fun when everyone that see's you is making fun of you?

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by NavyKnight Yes, I drove the 370Z coupe. I haven't drove an MX-5 yet, so maybe that's next, but I wouldn't ever purchase that girl car. It's slow as hell, so I don't know why it's owners would even talk. And how can the MX-5 Miata be fun when everyone that see's you is making fun of you?

Oops, I mistook you for a car guy. I like them all. There are no "girl" cars in my eyes. Just what meets your needs and what floats your boat.

Like I said, there very few true car enthusiasts on this forum. Very damn few.

[wspohn]

Originally Posted by jimbo Oops, I mistook you for a car guy. I like them all. There are no "girl" cars in my eyes. Just what meets your needs and what floats your boat. Like I said, there very few true car enthusiasts on this forum. Very damn few.

X2

I just like cars, they don't have to be any one marque.