OK. Before anyone slams me I just traded an 04 Track Model for my G35 AT coupe so I have some comparative SOTP experience from which to base my opinion. Specifically on a local roundabout nearby that can be taken at around 45-50mph. The G definetly exhibited less understeer. You could really feel the Z start to push at the max. Don't know the skid pad numbers but I can tell you the G felt better......... Ok, Stop the press. I do know the skid pad numbers. Just pulled out the latest Road and Track. Here are the numbers. G35 = .92g's on the skid pad vs .88 on the Z. G35 Slalom = 67.7 vs 67.3 for the Z. Also better braking from 60 and 80 mph. I was and am very suprised. My SOTP meter was correct. Maybe the longer wheel base make the difference. I do know that temperature altitude, stickiness of the track, etc. all factor in to the equation, but this car feels better in this specific area. I'll know more when I break it in. Only 350 more miles. Comments anyone?

 

I agree. I test drove both. The Z felt more "nimble" but not as "surefooted".

2003.5 5AT
Premium Package
Tire/Wheel Package
K&N Filter, Z-Tube, EGK

 

Good analogy. Nimble is the right word for the Z. I would suspect that the G would be better in high speed sweepers, however. Also more "surefooted at top speed. The Z did have a tendency to bounce over freeway undulations. That is totally absent in the G. Once broken in I'll AutoX. That will really tell a story.

 

the door handles are also better. sux that the Z only has silver door handles

 

I heard the tires made the difference michelin pilots vs. bridgetone.

2003 G35 Coupe 6mt Diamond Graphite
AIM= bkchang79

 

g35 looks better too...

 

how about..'the g35 IS better'
just kidding...
hehe, well that's just for my taste and opinion..
i like the luxury/sport mix. but if i wanted all sport, i would've gone Z for sure.
good thing i didn't, 3-4 people i know all have 350z and i'm the only one with the g35...hehehe

[ 2004 G35 coupe ] - | 6MT | Black/Graphite | Premium |

 

I think the tire probably had something to do with the skidpad numbers.

04 G35C 6mt/aero kit/nav/premium

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

The Z did have a tendency to bounce over freeway undulations. That is totally absent in the G.

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It's sometimes called "freeway hop" and it drove me nuts in my '95 BMW 325is/Sport, enough so that I would do almost anything to avoid trips over a couple of hours or so. The G35C is SO much better. I've made 6+ hour drives with in it no discomfort at all.

I'm not surprised the 350Z has this problem. Evidently it does have a lot to do with the length of the wheelbase.

 

There is also a bad side to the longer wheelbase:

Longer wheelbase = crappy turning radius

I think the trade off is worth it to get better stability and control on the turns.

I still prefer the G over the Z because it was/is just more practical for me. If I had to do it all over again and get a 2-seater, I would definitely get a S2000.. no offense to you Z'ers but I think the Z is way too heavy for a 2-seat

 

BTW, in my opinion the exterior styling of the Z is way better than the G35 (but not from all angles)..

 

Hmmmmm, you are not the first person to observe that difference. A couple of Z owners approached me at AutoX and they both tell me they feel my car exibits less understeer than their modified Z. (One had Borla, Kuhmo tires, stiffer stabilizer, and new springs) They told me it has to do with the following:

1) Lack of front brace in the G35 = less stiffness in the front = less understeer.
2) Longer wheelbase = couples nicely with the staggered tire setup
3) Better tires = more grip, but doesn't explain the over/under situation.

I have taken my car to the skidpad and all I can say is the G35C can grip very well, and I can't stay at the limit too long because the lateral G is too much for me to sustain for a long time. Not to bag on the Z, but a friend with the Z also complained about the tire feathering and freeway hopping problem. Hopefully Nissan will come out with a fix for that.

 

Sukairain,

Interesting point regarding the lack of a strut brace in the front of the Z. It makes sense. The understeer is something I really noticed on the Z. Would have been one of my first mods to go with a stiffer rear sway bar that supposedly would reduce understeer. Didn't consider the tires either, but another good point. I would think the combination, tires and lack of strut brace would be a significant factor. I am curious though, does anyone make a front strut brace for the G.

By the way, how did your Auto X times compare against the Z's. I think that their weight advantage and smaller size would give an edge to drivers at the same competence levels. Everybody knows that karts usually set TOD in large part due to their size. Hell, everything is a straight line to them. I do think it would be close though given some noticeably superior handling characteristics relative to the G. Of course in AutoX, as usual, better drivers make the difference, regardless of ride.