WelderGuy

A local dealer got in a TR Z51 coupe with AT about a week ago. I looked at the car, but they wouldn't let me drive it because they thought it was sold. I rode by this morning, and it was still there, so I called them. Turns out the guy's wife nixed the sale (That's GOTTA suck.), and the salesman invited me over to drive it.

I arrive a few minutes later, he hands me the keys, and he walks away. "Aren't you going with me?" "Nah, don't trust your driving." Smile on his face. He's never been in a vehicle with me, but we've talked a few times.

So off I go on a fifteen minute ride over all sorts of roads at different speeds and in different modes. Here's what I learned.

The engine, handling, and brakes are fabulous, but you already knew that.

The transmission is OK, but you can feel it downshift almost every time you add a little throttle. It's WAY too busy. My 350Z with 5AT would have easily kept up with the Stingray without a downshift at those speeds and accelerations.

Then there's the road noise, and I mean NOISE. I'd taken a short drive in a non-Z51 coupe a couple months back, and I thought it was comparable to the 350Z, or maybe only slightly worse. It must be the lower-profile tires on the Z51, but whatever the reason, it's just unbearably noisy on all but the smoothest of roads.

I really thought for a while that I'd end up buying a Z51 so I could get the Mag ride, but now I know that won't work for me, and the standard C7 has too harsh a ride for my taste. For now, I've set aside the whole idea of getting a C7.

WKMCD

Don't let the door hit you in the a$$.

bbrown450

It was the car that did not "feel" you.....not the other way around....enjoy your Maxima.....

Vetteman Jack

Then I guess you should keep te 350Z. Corvettes aren't for everyone. But that on will be available for someone to buy - wish I were ready.

metal

If he "handed you the keys"...you were in the wrong car!

Mike Mercury

sorry guy; but



350Z; 0-60 time 5.3-sec.
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec

keep your 350z title hidden away.

Kracka

So what you want is NOT a sports car; sounds like you'd be happier in a "sporty" sedan (Camry thrill ride commercials anyone?). Can't say I've ever heard a true sports car enthusiast say base suspension is too stiff for them; most want the stiffer options like Z51, Z06, etc.

JHH83

My current daily driver is a 350Z and I will soon place an order for a Z51 (as soon as I can figure out the color I want). I too, refused to make my final decision until I could test drive one, and was finally given the opportunity when Carmax got in a A6 Z51 a few weeks ago. All I can say is, there is simply no comparison between the two vehicles. The C7 is significantly faster, handles better, stops better, and is just an all around better vehicle.

This is coming from one of the biggest Z guys around (I've had the 350Z since 2007 and also have a 1970 240Z). I love my 350Z to death, but I can honestly say that there is no measure of vehicle performance in which the 350Z can outperform a C7. The 350Z has been a great car (120K+ miles, driven very hard and no mechanical issues), but mine is now 12 years old and it's showing its age. The road noise and ride of my 350Z is significantly rougher than the C7, not to mention the fact that the windows allow water to leak in.

Again, don't get me wrong, the 350Z has been and still is a fun, reliable and somewhat economical car, but it's not even in the same ballpark as a C7. I was incredibly impressed by the C7 and getting behind the wheel of it almost instantly sealed the deal.

CorvetteCoryW

Thats why dealership dont let people drive Corvettes because people like you come in just wanting to drive the car. If dealerships let everyone who wanted to test drive the car drive the car their would 1,000's of miles on it!
I would have been pissed if you were my customer!

nmerhaut

Wow, I just traded my '09 Z for C7 with Z51 and I can honestly say I'm impressed every day I drive the C7. I loved my Z and it was noisy compared to the C7, but I just removed my hearing aids when I tracked it. The C7's ride quality is superior to the Z. Whether or not its the equal of the Z on the track I can't confirm yet.

What setting did you have the C7 in when you test drove it?

Kracka

Did you by chance see the tire pressure in the gauges? Run-flats can get very rough and noisy when over-inflated.

Zymurgy

Enjoy that butt ugly door handle:



And look at that Orange Peel!

Just pulling your chain a little.

JHH83

Actually, now that I think about it, my 350Z actually has hardly any orange peel on it. That being said, at 12 years old every piece of plastic which was painted red is turning to a lovely shade of pink.

Higgs Boson

I love butt dynos....especially when they come uncalibrated from the factory.

I once heard a lady tell her son that her 1999 E class diesel could outrun his 2012 M5.

Al Blue4.6l

Mike Mercury

never heard it called that way.

Fore58

\
I run a 28 psi...nice and soft. The car probably had about 35 psi which is a harsh ride. OP just wanted a test ride hands down. Probably not telling in entire story. Could have been a trade-in issue with the 350Z my guess.

Thompyt

He stated his opinion, too bad it didn't coincide with yours. There is a lot of dick comments just because he didn'tlike it? Can't take it in stride? It may be information others need.

z51vett

The noise is the tires buy new tires that are not runflats problem solved.
z51vett
Doug

talon90

Sorry it didn't work out for you. They're not for everyone.

Enjoy whatever you end up with.