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Discussion Title:  300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

FastTrackToFreedom

2005-05-20 01:15:00

300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

This isn't really a game of numbers. Quarter mile times, 0-60 times hp and tq specs aren't of much importance. Breaking down the two vehicles, which one is truely more practical in your opinnion? I'm talking about, reliablity, drivability, etc. The VR4 is said to be plagued with tranny problems while the ZX is said to have engine problems. Both have complex computer systems such as active suspension and 4WS or HICAS that can malfunction any time. One is a two seater the other isn't. Both have average mpg's that would make an EPA official gag. SO in your honest opinion what is truely a better car. I know they are both sports cars. They are not going to be reliable, and they are not going to be cheap to maintain, but which of the two is better off? Pro's an Con's of each would help. Thank you for your time and any comments you may leave.

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Igovert500

2005-05-20 14:22:00

Re: 300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

Well I think I've already said I love both, and obviously I choose the vr4. I would put both on the same level in many respects...reliability and driveability are about equal. I wouldn't go so far to say the vr4 is plagued with tranny problems...they have a weak t-case and can have synchro issues. But the t-case is under recall...you can buy brackets for them, and they are generally ok, unless you plan on dumping the clutch at 5k+ multiple times. If you learn to slip the clutch, chances are you maybe fine. My synchros are fine, I double clutch normally and don't have any issues thus far.
I don't know about the Z's engine issues, so I can't really comment on them.

Overall I think this comes down to RWD vs. AWD and which you prefer. Take them both out for a test drive and see what you enjoy more.

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k3smostwanted

2005-05-20 19:52:00

Re: Re: 300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

Quote:
Originally Posted by Igovert500
Well I think I've already said I love both, and obviously I choose the vr4. I would put both on the same level in many respects...reliability and driveability are about equal. I wouldn't go so far to say the vr4 is plagued with tranny problems...they have a weak t-case and can have synchro issues. But the t-case is under recall...you can buy brackets for them, and they are generally ok, unless you plan on dumping the clutch at 5k+ multiple times. If you learn to slip the clutch, chances are you maybe fine. My synchros are fine, I double clutch normally and don't have any issues thus far.
I don't know about the Z's engine issues, so I can't really comment on them.

Overall I think this comes down to RWD vs. AWD and which you prefer. Take them both out for a test drive and see what you enjoy more.

well, i love both cars also but i obviously chose the ZX and decided later to make it a TT.

i cant comment on the VR4's tranny problems but like said before, the transfer case is under recall, but mitsubishi has always had problems with building a reliable strong transmission.

i have never heard of the engine problems with the ZX your speaking of. the earlier Z32's usually have sensor failure issues and the 90's have valvetrain problems. otherwise, they are just difficult to work on because of space issues. if you get a 92 or newer, nissan did a great job of fixing all the problems by 91 but if you have the money get the 92 or newer. the only common drivetrain problems i hear about with the 91'+ Z32 is wiring problems and sensor failure due to the high heat and stress in the engine bay. this makes connectors and wires very brittle after 10-15 years of wear and tear.

anyways, if you have any desire of making this a weekend track car i think you will be happy with the Z32, it could stand to lose a few hundred pounds but not so much as the VR4 and when i test drove both of them, i found the Z an all around better handling car.

if you want to drag or make this a street monster the VR4 may be a better way to go because it is AWD and it is hard not to launch hard in those things.

looks like you have the same decision on your hands as many people have between these 2 particular cars.

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Zgringo

2005-05-20 21:43:00

4X4's, AWD or what ever you want to call them are the absolute best when it comes to general all round driving in all kinds of weather conditions. It has been used in all sorts of racing. In drag racing the most famous was Tommy Ivo's 4 engine 4X4 AA/F dragster which made a showing but never made the grade, as normal rails weight transfer was tremendous and lanched much harder. In Indy 500 racing it was tried in the Nova's with little success, as under hi-power settings the front end would wash out. GP racing famous Porsche as others tried it but found the same problems as the Indy people.
So I guess I'd have to agree with the racer's that the rear wheel drive is better for them.
As for the 4 wheel (HICAS) steering, that too has been tried in all manners of racing by some of the top car builders only to be dropped for nornal 2 wheel steering.
So were does that leave us. I'd have to vote for the VR4 for all weather all road conditions. But then I'd have to vote for the 300ZXTT under dry conditions dragging and cornering, as setup right and with the right weight transfer it would be hard to beat.
Bottom line, your gonna have to drive them both and deside for your self. I'd have to say you've choosen 2 of the best Jap sport cars to compare and I don't think if you put them both in a bag and shook them then dumped them out you'll be able to find much difference.

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FastTrackToFreedom

2005-05-20 21:46:00

Re: 300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

I love both cars too, but I guess I sort of over exaggerated on the problems...it was late last night...hehe. Anyways I'm looking for something reliable, can hold more than a breif case in the back, not too killer matinence or problems, and that will rip it up on the backroads or freeway. Thank you for all your guy's comments. I have always been a fan of both, I have a 240Z and I had a 3000GT SL. I was sorry to let the GT go, but it was time to move to faster and better things...not saying that the Z is fast either lol. I had a GSX also so I am sort of familiar with Mitsu's AWD and turbo in a sense, nothing like a VR4 though. Anyways yeah thanks for the help.

__________________
Why should driving a sports car feel like operating a machine.......when it can feel like moving a muscle?


k3smostwanted

2005-05-20 22:14:00

Re: Re: 300ZX TT vs. 3000GT VR4 Drivability

Quote:
Originally Posted by FastTrackToFreedom
I love both cars too, but I guess I sort of over exaggerated on the problems...it was late last night...hehe. Anyways I'm looking for something reliable, can hold more than a breif case in the back, not too killer matinence or problems, and that will rip it up on the backroads or freeway. Thank you for all your guy's comments. I have always been a fan of both, I have a 240Z and I had a 3000GT SL. I was sorry to let the GT go, but it was time to move to faster and better things...not saying that the Z is fast either lol. I had a GSX also so I am sort of familiar with Mitsu's AWD and turbo in a sense, nothing like a VR4 though. Anyways yeah thanks for the help.
well, the VR4 has backseats and the TT doesnt in the US but the TT has quite a big hatch, atleast big enough to hold a brief case...both are gonna have maitenance as with any Twin Turboed performance car. and parts are not gonna be cheap or easy to find all the time...

both will really rip it up on the backroads...i havent driven a car yet that pulls harder than a TTZ in 3rd gear, except a c6 vette but you cant really compare that.

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