"Bang, Zoom, to the moon," was the catch-praise from the old Jackie Gleason's Honeymooners television program.
Well, that's also the sensation experienced in a 2004 Nissan 350Z, while blasting away from a stoplight or shooting out of the tollbooth.
Having driven both coupe and roadster versions, I can testify that all rear wheel drive 350Z's possess excellent handling and thrilling performance, making it one of the most exciting sports cars for the money.
Speaking of money, Nissan prices the Z from $26-$35,000, and offers customers five trim levels - base, Enthusiast, Performance, Track and Touring.
Inspired by the classic shape of the $3,500 Datsun 240Z 2-seat hatchback from 1970, the latest Z models are head turners, with an aggressive stance, accented by flared wheel openings.
Under the long hood, is a 3.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-6, that pumps-out 287 healthy horses and 274 lb.-ft of torque. All fuel fillers in the engine bay are well marked and easily reached for service. The V-6 hums out a throaty, controlled growl from the dual exhaust, sounding more like a V-8 engine, yet is unobtrusive.
This sports car features the sophisticated "drive-by-wire" system, which replaces the mechanical linkage between the accelerator pedal and the throttle with an electronic throttle control system. During 0-60 mile per hour sprints, both the Coupe and Roadster ran in the blistering 5 to 6 second range.
Yet, with all the hot rodding, the 350Z still obtained an average of 19 city and 25 highway miles per gallon. Fuel tank capacity is 20 gallons.
Each test car came equipped with the short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. While gripping the leather wrapped shift knob, I was able to move smoothly through the close-ratio gears, never missing a powershift. Nissan also offers an optional 5-speed automatic.
Once behind the wheel, it takes but a short time to appreciate the car's superb handling and tight steering, which permitted near-right angle cornering. While flying through serpentine curves, the 350Z provided virtually no body lean, hugging the highway tenaciously. One minor complaint - thought the car rode smoothly over most road surfaces - there was some hip-hop action driving on freeway/ toll roads. This was even more noticeable in the convertible with the 18-inch wheels ($1,200 option).
Wet pavement can also be tricky, but the anti-skid traction control system (TCS) and limited slip differential (LSD) quickly corrected the car's composure.
Superb brakes performed firmly and confidently, always in a straight line. Fit and finish on the coupe and convertible are excellent, with tight, rattle free construction. Cockpit is low-slung, yet provided ample head, hip and leg room.
All control buttons/knobs were clearly marked and within easy reach. Cross-drilled aluminum clutch, brake, gas and dead pedals, plus real aluminum hardware, smartly accented the interior. While there is no glove box or center storage compartment available, several lockable bins are provided behind the passenger seat.
Rearview vision on the coupe is slightly hindered by the flat rear window and small rear-quarter panels, but once you adapt, it's not a problem.
The Z Roadster offers an electric soft-top that easily stows compactly under a lightweight powered tonneau cover, and to minimize interior noise, a tempered glass wind deflector located between the seats, directs wind out and over the cabin.
With it's superb styling, outstanding performance, and impressive handling equal to exotic vehicles costing thousands more, I would sum up the Nissan 350Z with yet another Honeymooners saying, "Baby, you're the greatest!" |