A&Q about 350Z
Q:
The awd cars get better traction at the line (if one can launch them right) but once off the line, the awd gets less power to the wheels than our rear 2 wheel drive Zs. I had a modified mitsu eclpse awd turbo before my 350Z. There was a time before I further modified the engine (it was already a good bit modified) when it had, powerwise, just a little more power than my stock 350Z. At that point in its life, it had about 325 to 340 hp at the engine. It would run a quicker qtr mile (13.2 sec.) than a stock 350Z (because of the awd launch mostly - 1.7 sixty foot time), but the trap speed in the qtr. mile was 102 to 103 mph. Only a little faster than a stock 350Z.
It would have been fun, note if there were somewhere legal to do it, to run the eclipse top end against a stock 350Z at the above power levels. Like I said, the awd is an advantage off the line, but a disadvantage after the launch - all other things being relatively equal.
I can tell you, and I think this is true of the evos and STis as well, my stock 350Z has a LOT more everyday performance power because of it's good torque at ANY rpm. The eclipse would come off the line real fast, but ONLY if you reved the hell out of it and dropped the (aftermarket) clutch. If you just sit there like at a stop light at idle. Then just punch the eclipse, when the light turns green, without hi rpm launch, it would bog and show little power till the turbo spooled up. Not fun! I do the same thing with my 350Z and it will come off the line STRONG and easily. And with my 350Z it is much easier to have fun in curves with good power and torque always without even trying. The ecllipse was good in curves, but you had to always be at the right rpm and gear and drive it like you stole it - and then it still did not have the good strong throttle response of my 350Z even then. Make a slight mistake with the eclipse and the power is just not threre coming out of a curve. Make a slight mistake in a curve with my 350Z and the power is still there and easy to correct.
The eclipse's engine and power characteristics (modified at that level) were similar to to stock evos and stis. And that power delivery is fun in curves, but not near as fun as my stock 350Z in curves in my opinion. I do like the better off throttle torque of my 350Z. Others may disagree, but I much more love my Z. he he (I am quite the poet today...hmnnnn.....noooo.)
A:
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z