SC - Nissan 350Z - 993 - Boxster S - Cayman S - BMW Z4

k9handler · 11-18-2005, 11:21 AM

I am sure there is at least one guy on this forum that can answer some questions about these three cars. (SC - 350Z - 993)
I have been in both the SC and 993...but not any time in a 350Z.

The question is reguarding these cars as a all around sports car...and it's ability on the street and the track. I feel I can argue the point for Porsche but the 350Z is where I just don't have all the details.

I don't expect this thread to be another VS thread, rather a way to find the answer of which car is better for the "all around sports car".

My thought is that the 911 in SC or 993 design was built for the track in mind, where the 350Z was likely built more for the street minded racer and the aftermarket tuners.

SO what sparked this? A debate with a co-worker and him thinking the 350Z could lap the Nurburgring faster than the cars I mentioned as well as the Cayman, Boxster S and BMW Z4.

Talk amongst yourselves.

arcsine · 02:19 PM

Faster than an SC: definately
Faster than a Z4: probably
Faster than a 993: maybe
Faster than a Cayman/Boxster: nope

All opinions based on HP/weight comparisons. When no clear answer, went on gut feeling. (Cayman S weight ~3000lbs)

86 911 · 86 911's Garage

I've got a chance to drive the 350Z. It's an okay car IMHO. Definatley not as torquey as the SC and *feels* bulky. Sure if I had the money I'd but one in a minute! I would also take into consideration the Mazda RX-8. Kinda similair in power to the 350Z but it feels easier to drive. The rotary engine is pretty cool too. I'm sure Nissan reliability is great, but according to the dealer, the 350Z has the same 3.5 litre engine in it as the Altima. It's still a fun car to drive though. There was a thread about the 350Z specifically here a while back if you want to do a search. Good luck!

k9handler · 11-18-2005, 11:15 PM

thanks guys for the info, that is the type of info I was looking for. My main point would be that in the hands of a pro driver...say Walter Rohl or Sabine Schmidt which car would they be able to lap the Nurburgring the fastest in? I guess the key is the Nurburgring for the sake of my argument...HP does not really mean that much with all cars so close to 300 HP.

island911 · 11-19-2005, 08:33 AM

"All opinions based on HP/weight comparisons."

hmmm.... We're not talking stop-light racing.

When weight increases, long twisty tracks KILL tires. (350Z @ 3400lbs)

Don't even get me started on CG.

arcsine · 11-19-2005, 11:07 AM

I never said weight:HP was the definative bench-mark but it is something that we can use to compare the cars. As the ratio has a direct correlation to acceleration (ignoring gearing of course) it does have some merit as any racetrack will have some corner to get out of. The outright weight also has merit as you pointed out.