Topic: Nissan 370Z vs. Cayman S

[Mitlov]

Thank you, Mitlov, you're helping to illustrate my point.  The concessions one makes in Miata-ownership versus a Camry are compensated for by the emotional appeal -- the sounds and styling of the car versus the bland, quiet and pedestrian Camry.  The ability to row one's own gears in the also adds to the emotional experience as does the top-down, open-air, wind-in-your-hair driving experience.  Again, the 370Z apparently doesn't offer that same compensation versus its more practical competitors.

Judging from what Edmunds has written about the 370Z and the WRX, I'd say it does off a heck of a lot more in subjective driving enjoyment.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=136547
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128908

I have never read anything to suggest that the WRX (2008 or even 2009) would be in the same league as the 370Z when it came to handling (either objective measurements or the subjective feel of taut body control).

[safristi]

 SUB_WOOF'er.....is THAT the sound it Makes......... ...................stirring the POOP_POT..........Cayman is beauty on wheels.......G37 ...BIGGEST LOSER Competitor.... ..................

[DriverJeff]

Thank you, Mitlov, you're helping to illustrate my point.  The concessions one makes in Miata-ownership versus a Camry are compensated for by the emotional appeal -- the sounds and styling of the car versus the bland, quiet and pedestrian Camry.  The ability to row one's own gears in the also adds to the emotional experience as does the top-down, open-air, wind-in-your-hair driving experience.  Again, the 370Z apparently doesn't offer that same compensation versus its more practical competitors.

Judging from what Edmunds has written about the 370Z and the WRX, I'd say it does off a heck of a lot more in subjective driving enjoyment.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=136547
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=128908

I have never read anything to suggest that the WRX (2008 or even 2009) would be in the same league as the 370Z when it came to handling (either objective measurements or the subjective feel of taut body control).

But what about the Evo?

[Mitlov]

And Toyota put SPORT on a lot of the cars and trucks.   

Make and model # please?  Lots of people call speakers that produce bass subwoofers but that does not mean they are. Subs should go below 25HZ flat.

Is this a pet peeve of yours or something?  I don't understand why you care about the make and model of my computer speakers.  Anyway, (1) let's keep this discussion about cars, and (2) for the record, your definition of subwoofers does not appear to be a widely-used definition.  Indeed, there does not appear to be a consensus as to what hertz range a "real subwoofer" has.  So let's just say it's a speaker that's designed exclusively to emit low frequencies, or bass, and call it a day.  At least, that's how I'll use the term.

http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-us&q=define:+subwoofer&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

[Mitlov]

But what about the Evo?

I don't have first-hand experience with either, but even if their objective handling measurements are similar, the driving experience between a 370Z and an EVO should be very, very different.  I'm not saying that the 370Z is the better subjective choice for everyone, but it's got to be a radically different experience.  I'm sure for many, the RWD, big-displacement engine setup is more satisfying subjectively than an AWD, highly-boosted-turbo-four setup.

Different strokes for different folks.

[Wolfe]

I just don't see what all the fuss is about.   Even a fairly pedestrian (and cheaper) WRX 265 will beat it in acceleration and haul a load of cargo through a snow storm whilst doing so.   

Also true: A V6 Camry will beat a Miata in acceleration and can haul a load of cargo through a snow storm whilst doing so.  Does this mean that the Miata is not deserving of the "fuss" it receives? 

You've obviously never driven a Miata then.

[Wolfe]

I'm sure for many, the RWD, big-displacement engine setup is more satisfying subjectively than an AWD, highly-boosted-turbo-four setup.

Different strokes for different folks.

3.7L is big-displacement now?

[rrocket]

Well, another reason the Supra TT may not seem as "tossable" as an S2000, Elise, NSX or RX-7 because it's around 3,550lbs.

With my modern parts and other mods, I'm down into the low 3300s.  My car weighed 3470 before I started.  So I've chopped a few pounds.  Still not a featherweight in any way....

[rrocket]

I'm sure for many, the RWD, big-displacement engine setup is more satisfying subjectively than an AWD, highly-boosted-turbo-four setup.

Different strokes for different folks.

3.7L is big-displacement now?

Compared to the EVO?  Absolutely....

[initial_D]

Porsche ... No substitute. When money is not a factor, regardless what the 370Z can do, people wouldn't consider it.

On a personal note, I will take a Lancer EVO over the Z. Mainly because I have follow Rally for a long time, and loved the EVO since a teen. The emotional side of the feelings for a vehicle cannot be simply replaced by some thing else that has 'better performance numbers".

[Mitlov]

3.7L is big-displacement now?

Damn near twice the EVO's.

[Wolfe]

3.7L is big-displacement now?

Damn near twice the EVO's.

...and significantly less than half the 8.4L in the Viper.

The 3.7L is middle-of-the-road in terms of size and makes its 330 hp way up at 7K rpm. It's not a big, torquey, lazy V8 or a hulking, stump-pulling V10.

[rrocket]

3.7L is big-displacement now?

Damn near twice the EVO's.

...and significantly less than half the 8.4L in the Viper.

The 3.7L is middle-of-the-road in terms of size and makes its 330 hp way up at 7K rpm. It's not a big, torquey, lazy V8 or a hulking, stump-pulling V10.

Your power of observations are killer.     But if you look in this market segment, which includes EVOS, STi, BMWs, Caymans, the 3.7 L would be considered big displacement.  Comparing it to Vette and Vipers or V8 muscle cars?  Wrong...and not very bright. 

[aquadorhj]

Porsche ... No substitute. When money is not a factor, regardless what the 370Z can do, people wouldn't consider it.

Given no money limit factor, I would have BOTH.  ...  but Boxster.. not Cayman...  I can't get over the weird side profile of Cayman.   370Z, on the other hand..  man, it looks soooooo good from side, with it's classic front engine, rear drive, 2 person cockpit profile.. 

..but if I was seriously considering a long term ownership of serious sportscar with my OWN money, 370Z hands down. Because the 370Z has engine where I can see them. 

[Jaeger]

If money were not a factor "people" wouldn't consider the Cayman - they'd buy a Veyron.    Given enough $$ (your premise, not mine) there are PLENTY of substitutes for Porsche.

The fact that the Z can put up similar performance to that of the Porsche at a substantial savings is rather the point.  Nobody is suggesting that the Z will be pulling customers out of Porsche dealerships.

Jaeger

[johngenx]

The <$50K performance car market is not crowded by any means, but there are some great choices.  The 09 WRX, STi, Evo, S2000, 370Z, Camaro SS, Mustang GT and Challenger SRT8 all have their strengths and offer something for the enthusiast.  Like the tire deforming V8 torque?  It's in there.  Like a high-revving screamer?  It's in there.  Fashion yourself a rally driver with AWD and blistering turbo power?  It's in there.

While the Cayman is more exclusive than the Boxster, I'm not sure it's worth the large premium that Porsche asks for it.  Of course, that statement is purely subjective.  But, the Boxster showed us that Porsche still has "924" tucked away in their marketing plans somewhere.  Now, I don't think the Boxster is the newer 924, but there are some strong similarities.  The 924 was expensive in the segment, but had poor resale.  Boxster?  Same.  The 924 had dubious build quality and lacked the substance of the 911, and even the later 944.  Boxster?  Much the same.

As there are tons of used Boxsters for sale, it tells me that few Porschephiles bought them.  Probably lots of leases by badge-seekers that would not tolerate the costs of operating an out-of-warranty Porsche.  While none of the newer models are very DIY friendly, the Boxster is especially poor.

If I were spending Wing's money and had the choice between a 370Z and Cayman, I'd get the Porsche.  Were it my own bucks, the 370Z is the clear winner.

[safristi]

Wing has MONIES ...maybe he could BAIL-OUT  MOI..............   Oh wingie.....

[Jaeger]

john - you're making too much sense.  Quit it already.

Jaeger

[Jameel]

If I had Wing's money I'd get an F430 Scuderia.

[wing]

My money on top of yours I hope!