doesnt the G handle better because its wheelbase is wider?

 

G handle better? After driving the Z for over a year I can personally say the Z hugs the road much better around curves then the G. Maybe it is due to the fact that the Z sits lower to the ground.
Lips

 

Here is a quote from Road and Track April 19th 2005 - Road Test Annual 2005. The article was the last one in the magazine titled "Performance Plus" which was the G35 Coupe vs the Mazda RX8. This was a 2004 G35 coupe with the Six Speed Manual.

"The G35 uses the same basic front and rear multilink suspension as the 350Z, but the G35's longer wheelbase and softer suspension tuning lend it a more comfortable ride; yet it gives up little in the handling department, actually sliding its way to a better skidpad number than the last Track model 350Z we tested, 0.92g compared with 0.88g. It's overall grip beats the Mazda, as well."

Below is a link to a G35 coupe on the track with an S2000, RX8, WRX and a few other cars. Very interesting for a luxury sports coupe.

http://s5.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=3G...V04HW3GIDF0045


RJG35

 

Z lighter, same engine, car for car should be faster

 

G gets better skippad numbers because it comes with superior stock tires compared to the 350Z. The Z has lower center of gravity, inherently better structure stiffness due to shorter length and lower roof. Some things the G does better than the Z are:

a) Comfort
b) Tires (skidpad falls under this category)
c) Neutral handling. (Z understeers more)
d) Space
e) Wheel weight (exception being track 350Z wheels)

 

I agree 100%.

I have my G 6speed and my wife has an auto Z Touring and even in the auto form, the Z pulls so hard from a stop and feels so much lighter compared to the G. Also, the drive by wire in the Z seems to really get things moving with more haste as well.

It really surprised/disappointed me how much more powerful and nimble her car felt in everyday driving situations.

I think that's why I had a dream of a turbo charger last night. For the power alone, I've had fleeting thoughts of trading in the G for a Z for the fun factor. But, I think I'll hold out for the next G/GTR. Besides, right now the G is our "Big" car!

 

I was of the impression that our G's were also drive-by-wire? Not true?

Usually what people mean by that is that one car can hit a higher top speed, while the other one can accelerate better. Don't know if it's true in this case, though.

 

I had the same comparison as JZ39 last night. A friend of mine got his Z out (Le Mans Sunset, pearl flames, lambo doors, stereo stuff etc the works) and its a touring auto. We went out last night and ran them down the highway. He has the same engine mods as me, and it was very very close. I was only 1/2 car ahead of him most of the time. He would gain just a tad on me in-between shifts.

Either way both cars are an awesome bang for the buck. I don't think there is a big enough difference in power to really say ones better than the other. I just like my back seat and softer ride

 

It does. I'm not really sure why JZ39 called it out specifically on the Z.

--Viral

 

How did an automatic gain on you while you shifted....that just shows u are really slow at shifting...you should pull away when u shift a tad

 

Had to let him feel like he was gaining somehow Besides, 120+ w/out a radar det, I wasn't too keen on doing that for too long.

 

Bingo!

 

IMO the straight line speed feels about the same with a slight edge to the Z. The single most noticable difference is in the handling. Even though they might be similar, it really is a totally different feeling in the Z. Its shorter, lower, lighter, has stiffer shocks, and the steering just feels more precise.

 

(Just have to say it because its a play on letters, but....]

The M is faster than both the Z and the G! (BMW that is)