Great fun rhys and take it for what it is - you were simply faster. Lots of variables to consider, especially with timed runs, track laps, magazine impressions here versus there, but what happens in an actual situation is what keeps us smiling. Way to go !!

something to ponder - the Z <or many other cars> have respectible stats, but rolling in your shark makes a big difference, so don't discount your 24yr olds ability. At 15mph+ you were both accelerating swiftly until shortly afterward you were floored - so ~35 or so and it was on. Your 3sp, like my '80, moves quite well at that rpm as it's getting on the cams, so the Z's higher hp #'s are less relevant than active power curves. Factor in shift points and some intenstinal fortitude and it is what it is, a fair sparring match in a natural environment.

btw - have matched a few 330 BMW's in the '80, as well as an EVO and RX8; obviously didn't walk them (except the RX8), but either even or a little bit faster and all on the freeway. 26yrs old, but not bad in it's element. Stats are great on those cars, but an SRT8 they're not and real world is quite different with all the variables. Launch, um, they serve me; under 35, usually they serve me; normal speed, roll the dice baby. Freeway entrance a couple times now with the same SS Silverado, he kills me 20+ and as I start to reel him the upside of 2nd, he backs off and we laugh as I pull along side because he knows that's his element. This morning he jumped behind as I passed, I hit it, he hit it, I started to pull and he got out of it --> sharks element and he knew it, even if a little over the hill

 

Ive heard most Z's are painfully slow. Heavy cars for the power they have.

 

That 0 to 60 time is astonishingly slow for a car with 350 hp. I use to avoid combat with them in my C4.......not any more.

 

I think the 350X has 280ish HP. Looking at those Motor Trend test #'s, it appears to be geared to fall on it's face at just about 100 mph where the 928 is coming alive. 1/4 mile in 14.2 at 98.2 mph, but it takes 15.3 sec to get to 100 mph. Not too good if that is correct.

I usually don't bother with them, just occasionally let loose a little 2nd gear "smoke" if being "provoked". I'm still trying to get a run going with a friend's 600 hp supra-much more of a race.

Jim

 

And one you have a fair shot at winning..............bigger sneakers should just about do it.

 

I drove a 2004 "track" 350 Z when they first came out.....287HP back then...I think 298HP now? I thought it performed quite well...especially at lower speeds....strong acceleration in the 1st-2nd-3rd...btu I didn't really get it up past about 80 either......I do recall it would hit second and spin the tires enough to engage traction control & it would chirp 3rd gear.......I've heard good drivers in the right conditions can break into the high 13's.....at about 100mph.....but oddly enough for a 300hp car the top speed is not that good....around low 150's? Overall a different feel than a 928.....928's don't wake up until 60+mph

 

My wife's G35 was really quick off the line but ran out of oomph pretty early, so it's not surprising to me to hear the same thing about the 350Z.

 

Andrew wrote:

Yoku tabetah!

Nick wrote:

I'm with Nick, pound cake is still good even if it doesn't know it's being eaten.