RKD in OKC

When I was autocrossing my Boxster S, I know, I know it's not a 928, but...Anyway my Boxster S spun a bearing, ie. died getting back on the gas coming out of a corner, then knock, knock, knock on restart. I had only done 4 of my 8 laps. Called 1 800 Porsche and they sent a tow truck. I must of looked sad and pitiful because a fellow racer let me do my remaining 4 laps in his 350Z. It was the "track" model with bigger brakes and stiffer suspension.

First off, I was faster than the owner and surprisingly a bit faster than my Boxster S. However, given the choice I was very happy to own the Boxster S instead. The Z felt cumfy but cramped, the suspension was very very harsh even on a smooth track, and the brakes had no real modulation. Any time I touched the brake pedal it felt like I just hit a brick with the front wheels. And trying to modulate it was on-off-on-off felt like braking on a cobblestone road and it was on a perfectly smooth track.

My best explanation of the difference in Japanese cars is the tactile feel of operating the controls, buttons, and *****. They just feel cheap and chicklety with too many sharp edges and zero effort to do anything. Push a button or turn an **** on a German car and it has travel and resistance, you feel like you engaged something. Push a button on a Japanese car and you feel like you may or may not have actually turned something on or off.

RyanPerrella

cool story

I love that fact that a blown engine didnt get you away from cashing in those extra 4 laps. Thats pretty funny, I think most people would be wrecked. I guess if it was under warranty then who cares really.

RKD in OKC

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention. The tow truck gave me and the car a ride to the dealer whom had a G35 loaner car waiting for me. The next day, Monday, the dealer mechanic pulled the data log and then told me the repair would be warranty as there was nothing in the data log that indicated I had done anything to cause problem. The next step was to drain and check the oil. The oil had metal shavings in it so that meant new motor. Dealer mechanic said he had to ship it whole and couldn't even open it up to see what happened.

whiteNSXs

Greeting from Hong Kong.
Buying a 928 is to experience an automotive milestone. Gorgeous but temperamental.
Getting a 350z is a practical ownership of good sport car. However, the 350z is nothing short of butt ugly in my book. The G35 is a much better looking car.
Apples to oranges.
Steve

safulop

OK guys, thanks for the interesting stories/opinions and the usual BS we all love. I'm not sure I could be happy with a Nissan, since I have had a Porsche 944 since 1999. It has always been my daily driver (my wife drives the minivan), and I also drive it north to Canada every summer. I need a new car to replace her, and I thought perhaps the 350Z would provide for my needs and be a little bit more reliable for those long trips and daily to work. My 944 has never let me down, I have never been stranded or towed anywhere, and I have never had a breakdown in the boonies. Once she even broke the center of the clutch plate in the back woods of southern Idaho, but we made it all the way back to Fresno for the clutch job! What a trooper she has been.

Now that's soul, for sure. I have been worried that a 928 I could afford would not have that kind of reliability. And it's true that a really good 968 coupe is not any less in price, but a lot harder to find.
But the stories and opinions about 350Zs here are not sounding too good. I thought some people would say "definitely go for Nissan if it's reliability you want," but no one did. Someone said they had a neighbor on his second engine? Good grief.

polecat702

The 350z is after all only a Nissan. The 928 is a thoroughbred, and like all thoroughbreds, tempermental,and highstrung. But the rewards outweigh the liabilities. 15 grand will get you a great 928.

safulop

Wow, that is one loaded post. I'm trying to think of reasons why you believe it is true. Perhaps people who like Nissans are too lowly to deserve a Porsche? Or is it something less complimentary to Porsches, that perhaps if you like Nissans, then you value reliability, which is not a feature of a Porsche? Really not sure how it applies to me, since I have had my Porsche 944 for 11 years but would consider a 350Z as its replacement. Call me practical?

slownrusty

When it comes to 928s you own the best made, does not get any better than a GTS! I agree most cars once abused are horrid to drive.

One day soon I hope...I get to drive that sweet GT or S4 (with a 5speed, I have got to keep emphasizing that!), and your GT is the exception when it comes to condition, I saw your for sale posts and your ebay listing..your car is deeelish!


I am not sure I entirely agree. The feel or "tactile" on a Porsche or upper end German car is very good not debating that, but the Japanese have done a great job of improving in this area (actually for decades), the switches on my sister's older Nissan Sentra is very good, for example I am talking the power windown buttons, the buttons for the power mirrors even the feel of the HVAC controls, really pretty good for an economy car that is 10years old. I think the Koreans are still playing catch-up in this area and if you think the Japanese have poor tactile feel on switches what about the big 3 that hail from Detroit? Speaking of the Koreans did you hear that Hyundai just launched their $65,000 Equus sedan last week in the U.S?

But I digress...isn't the soul of a car more than a switch?

James - Yes it is an '89 930. Cool we will have to meet-up soon, the Turbo Mazda is great too and I can run down alot of bigger cars in it. I would love to drive a nice 5pd S4 and rekindle my soul to a 928. You have lots of track time, very cool, so we definitely will meet soon, I am sure.
My best - Yasin

curt_928

Drove the z, even drove the GT-R while I was debating my last... Compared to my 79' both were too clinical, too.. efficient and competent.

Driving both felt like having sex with a smokin hottie... while wearing 2 condoms.

And that is all I will say about that. ;-)

Imo000

You can get a 350Z FOR ONLY $15K???? Wow......They sell for almost double that up here.

AO

If you are really debating... buy the 350z. People who really love 928's don't debate their purchase, just how to explain their purchase to the rev limiter.

Landseer

^^^What he said!

Norton928

+928

The unique character of this car is something you either really want, or you don't. If you go in the purchase on the fence, the outcome might not be something you are willing to deal with.

Jadz928

Fair. Or don't explain anything at all.

Proud member of the TRP (Testicular Reclaimation Program)

hacker-pschorr

Well, to be fair the "Z" family from Nissan has a hell of a lot more racing heritage than our cars....

I would take a 300ZX over a 350Z. Both would make excellent winter beaters while the 928's are put away