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Pick a Roadster
- Thread starter Rogue
- Start date
BigSmooth
Lifer
If price is no object, the Z. The only thing I don't like about is how it looks with the top up. The engine, chassis, transmission, etc. all seem to be top-notch.
C&D recently did a comparison test that included the Z and the S2000 (as well as the Boxster, Z4, and Audi TT), with the Honda winning it and the Nissan in 2nd.
I really like the S2000 as well and would be more than happy to have one but I think the Z's torque curve and suspension are a little more suited to my tastes.
If price IS a consideration, I would certainly take a hard look at the Miata. I don't think I've ever seen a negative review of that car. By all accounts, it is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles available in any price class.
It would certainly not be as fast or have the cachet of the other two, but it would still be a worthy choice IMO.
C&D recently did a comparison test that included the Z and the S2000 (as well as the Boxster, Z4, and Audi TT), with the Honda winning it and the Nissan in 2nd.
I really like the S2000 as well and would be more than happy to have one but I think the Z's torque curve and suspension are a little more suited to my tastes.
If price IS a consideration, I would certainly take a hard look at the Miata. I don't think I've ever seen a negative review of that car. By all accounts, it is one of the most fun-to-drive vehicles available in any price class.
It would certainly not be as fast or have the cachet of the other two, but it would still be a worthy choice IMO.
I wouldn't put the Z in the same class as the Miata or the S2000.
I would wait until Mazda releases the Mazdaspeed Miata (I think that's what it will be called). That ought to be a damn fun little ride.
Still much too small & too much of a "chick car" for me, but it would be quick as hell.
Viper GTS
I would wait until Mazda releases the Mazdaspeed Miata (I think that's what it will be called). That ought to be a damn fun little ride.
Still much too small & too much of a "chick car" for me, but it would be quick as hell.
Viper GTS
Miata:
Length = 155.3
Width = 66
Height = 48.4
Weight = 2387
S2000
Length = 162.2
Width = 68.9
Height = 50.6
Weight = 2809
350Z
Length = 169.4
Width = 71.5
Height = 52.3
Weight = 3462
See anything unusual? The Z outweighs the Miata by nearly 44%, & is overall a much bigger vehicle.
Viper GTS
A few things from the posts so far:
1) Lotus is out. Nice car, but a little too much for us.
2) I agree that the Miata is more of a "chick car" than the other two and am leaning away from it, though my wife really likes it. The shinsen version that we saw on display at our local mall was pretty nice, but a little too small for my tastes. Bolt on upgrades for performance are a possibility for me too. I'm not a big gear head, but I know my way around an engine.
3) Looking to keep price under $30k, which is asking a lot for th 350z, but I'm willing to lease for a lower monthly payment anyway. Used version of any of them is a definite option.
4) My wife actually wanted an SSR when she first saw it and I didn't mind too much, until we both saw the price. All things considered, the SSR is by far not even an option anymore.
5) Keep the opinions coming!
1) Lotus is out. Nice car, but a little too much for us.
2) I agree that the Miata is more of a "chick car" than the other two and am leaning away from it, though my wife really likes it. The shinsen version that we saw on display at our local mall was pretty nice, but a little too small for my tastes. Bolt on upgrades for performance are a possibility for me too. I'm not a big gear head, but I know my way around an engine.
3) Looking to keep price under $30k, which is asking a lot for th 350z, but I'm willing to lease for a lower monthly payment anyway. Used version of any of them is a definite option.
4) My wife actually wanted an SSR when she first saw it and I didn't mind too much, until we both saw the price. All things considered, the SSR is by far not even an option anymore.
5) Keep the opinions coming!
DurocShark
Lifer
Aside from the fact that I'm a Nissan guy (ever since my 76 280z), Nissan recently started doing something super cool: They are getting rid of timing belts and going back to timing chains! Woot!
With modern interference engines, I hate the idea of my engine being at the mercy of some rubber band.
*note: Old Volvos are non-interference. heh*
With modern interference engines, I hate the idea of my engine being at the mercy of some rubber band.
*note: Old Volvos are non-interference. heh*
fonzinator
Senior member
Rogue...before you buy anything, go test drive a BMW M Roadster. I cannot put driving one of these into words, just do yourself the favor and try one out. Year 2001 and 2002 M Roadsters have a 315 hp / 251ft. lbs. torque engine that's an absolute screamer!! If you can find one, these are going for at least $30k. Year 2000 and below have 240hp/246 torque. Expect to find these in the mid $20s with very low miles. I think Y2k M Roadsters are one of the best bangs for the buck out there. You won't find better performance/quality for the money. Handling is on rails, fit and finish of the car is absolutely BMW. Mash the accelerator in any gear and a smile grows across my face. 🙂 Read up on these at Edmunds. You won't find one complaint and there's a reason why.
mAdD INDIAN
Diamond Member
No way in hell the 250Z weighs in at 4133lbs!! Maybe 3133..but not 4133!!!
Anyway my vote would be a Miata or an older British roadster. Get your driving goggles, leather gloves and hat, and enjoy the open road!
Or, you could try to find a used 99 Boxster.
Vic
Elite Member
Through personal experience (family member's car), I would not consider the Miata to be a "reliable" car. Not unrealiable per se, just not particularly reliable. And when something does go wrong, it tends to be expensive.
As for the 350Z, you'll be lucky to get one for less than $35k. Also, it does not weigh 4133 lbs. That's the gross weight. The curb weight is 3428 lbs. Text
Siddhartha
Lifer
The choice of course is going to come to down which car you guys like after a test drive.
I have driven the Miata and found it to be under powered for my taste.
The Honda, according to Road and Track, is going to be slightly faster and around $4000 cheaper than the 350Z.
The Nissan has a lot more torque that the Honda which will make it the easier car to drive.
Of the three cars, I prefer the Honda but I would not be surprised that most people would prefer the torque of the 350Z.
I have driven the Miata and found it to be under powered for my taste.
The Honda, according to Road and Track, is going to be slightly faster and around $4000 cheaper than the 350Z.
The Nissan has a lot more torque that the Honda which will make it the easier car to drive.
Of the three cars, I prefer the Honda but I would not be surprised that most people would prefer the torque of the 350Z.
BigSmooth
Lifer
I don't have any personal experience with the Miata, but (FWIW) JD Power ranked it #1 in initial quality and #3 in dependability among "sporty cars" in their 2003 studies.
MSN rates newer models highly, as well.
Chadder007
Diamond Member
:werd:
Crappopotamus
Golden Member
the z has more torque, and better styling. damn sexy. what about the z4?
Siddhartha
Lifer
Can the Lotus comfortably fit two people? And I would worry a lot about the Lotus' reliability.
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