YAZT: Yet another Z thread

[Argo]

I'm comparing Coupe, Enthusiast and Peformance models. As I understand Enthusiast adds traction control, while Performance adds electronic stability control on top of that. I'm wondering what's the difference between the two (tractions and elec. stability) and whether I need either on of those? I live in New Englans, btw.

 

[vi edit]

I'm just going on generalizations here, not knowing any specifics of the systems in the Z.

But here goes - traction control is generally used in preventing wheel spin. It uses the braking system to stop wheels from spinning out on slick surfaces and when accellerating hard.

Stability control goes a step further. It has a bunch of sensors that detect when the car is starting to fishtail or doing any sort of lateral movement on the pavement and uses the braking system to try and and prevent the sliding around.

 

[boyRacer]

Vehicle Dynamic Control (anti-skid control), which improves vehicle stability by applying individual brakes and reducing engine torque automatically on slippery road surfaces.

vi_edit got it... 😀

 

[Cfour]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
I'm just going on generalizations here, not knowing any specifics of the systems in the Z.

But here goes - traction control is generally used in preventing wheel spin. It uses the braking system to stop wheels from spinning out on slick surfaces and when accellerating hard.

Stability control goes a step further. It has a bunch of sensors that detect when the car is starting to fishtail or doing any sort of lateral movement on the pavement and uses the braking system to try and and prevent the sliding around.

I thought traction control electronically retarded the timing or something? I'm not exactly sure how it works but I'm pretty sure it doesnt use the braking system.

 

[vi edit]

I thought traction control electronically retarded the timing or something? I'm not exactly sure how it works but I'm pretty sure it doesnt use the braking system.

I think it depends on the make of the car and the specifics of the system.

 

[Descartes]

I got the performance model for the 18" wheels and the VDC. If you're feeling frisky, you can turn the VDC off 🙂 The 18" wheels may not be a good thing since you live in an area with rough winters. The tires on the Z have been noted as being EXTREMELY POOR cold temperature performers (they're summer compound tires). You'll have a better time locating a quality all season/winter tire for 17" wheels than 18".

They're the same car otherwise.

 

[Argo]

Originally posted by: Descartes
I got the performance model for the 18" wheels and the VDC. If you're feeling frisky, you can turn the VDC off 🙂 The 18" wheels may not be a good thing since you live in an area with rough winters. The tires on the Z have been noted as being EXTREMELY POOR cold temperature performers (they're summer compound tires). You'll have a better time locating a quality all season/winter tire for 17" wheels than 18".

They're the same car otherwise.

How's weather in Tulsa? Is the car a lot of pain to drive in the snow?

 

[Descartes]

Originally posted by: Argo

Originally posted by: Descartes
I got the performance model for the 18" wheels and the VDC. If you're feeling frisky, you can turn the VDC off 🙂 The 18" wheels may not be a good thing since you live in an area with rough winters. The tires on the Z have been noted as being EXTREMELY POOR cold temperature performers (they're summer compound tires). You'll have a better time locating a quality all season/winter tire for 17" wheels than 18".

They're the same car otherwise.

How's weather in Tulsa? Is the car a lot of pain to drive in the snow?

I haven't taken delivery of my car yet, but I've driven the track and touring models in cold (< 32F) conditions. My car will be here in about 60 days. The tires definitely need some time to warm up, otherwise the ride is quite bumpy. Once they warm up, they're fine.

Many people have wrecked their Z attempting to drive in the snow on the stock tires. The summer compound tires simply do not handle *at all* in bad (snow/cold) conditions. I'm most likely going to purchase some Blizzaks for the winter conditions, or simply drive another vehicle.