Has anyone else seen this @#$%&? Can you chalk it up to bad drivers or is it actually related to the cars? I haven't seen any contest between the two on an actual race track with actual drivers or any side by side comparison's on any tech shows but it's still kinda embarassing to see a beautiful Z beaten by a station wagon.

Not following the latest wagon offerings, what is a MS3?

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2005 Super Black 35th AE
Zillion coats of Zaino

I believe he's referencing the Mazdaspeed 3, the factory-tuned version of the Mazda 3. 2.3 turbo under the hood. Mean little ride.

Sport Compact Car has a comparison between a Mazda 3, a MS3 and a Mazda 3 with a turbo kit that's been developed by a tuner shop that specializes in Mazdas in the current issue. I believe the MS3 was a little faster in the slalom than the current Nismo Z. Something like 69 for the Z versus 71 for the MS3? Something like that. Already read and recycled my issue, so I'm working from memory.

End of the day, if I were in a stock Z33, I don't know that I'd take a Mazdaspeed 3 lightly.

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Ultra Yellow '05 350Z Roadster, Touring

Nismo: Headers, cams, CAI, flywheel, clutch disc & cover, braided steel clutch hose, 1.5 LSD w/finned cover, oil filter, power steering cooler, cat-back exhaust, radiator cap, thermostat, front & rear sway bars, suspension kit, fuel cap cover, oil filler cap, reservoir covers, hi-flow cats, 480cc/min fuel injectors, 19" LM-GT4 wheels w/Rays lugs & Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. ARC radiator cooling panel. Unorthodox Racing crank & accessory pulleys w/Gates belts. Pi-Thon reservoir caps. Motordyne Copper Iso Thermal 5/16" plenum spacer & MREV2 lower collector. Datsun Freeway silver carbon fiber engine cover w/replica Nismo S-1 badge. EvoR silver carbon fiber battery & brake fluid covers. Brembo GT front brake kit. Unichip ECU piggyback. SARD Electical Sweeper. B&M short-throw shifter. D-Wolf clutch kit. Nissan Motorsports carbon fiber apron cover. '06 OEM projector headlights and LED tailights. OEM/Europe burnt orange leather shift knob & e-brake handle; Star Shield Armor clear bra; 40 tint.

Mazdaspeed 3 is one badass little car. It has a lot of advantages over the Z, like weight, maneuverability, nimbleness. But it has one MAJOR disadvantage in my book: FWD.

FWD = FAIL.

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project

When you're slower than:
A> Subarus
B> Mitsubishis
C> Mazdas
D> Fords

It's time to up the power. I hope that Nissan delivers 330+ HP in the 370z, because the 350z is just far too slow compared to the competition!

Agreed z32dood, it's embarassing.Rumors at least have the 370 being lighter with a shorter wheel base. Hopefully they offer it with a turbo option as well.

Yes it's possible that the MS3 is faster than the 350z. I'd say that the 07/08 HR 350z's would take the MS3 but the 03-06 Z's arn't as lucky. The MS3 is a low 14/ high 13 sec car just like the 03-06 350z. Not to mention that with just a couple bolt on's the MS3 would rape a 350z. Turbo's are just much easier to get power out of. Like mentioned above, I really hope Nissan brings a FI version next year

If Nissan brings out an FI 370z (which I highly doubt), I would put down money today for it.

^^
I would too (if I had the money)

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project

take it up to 150 and see who's faster. i'll bet my money on the Z

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03 CS Touring
VIN #189

@#$%& I've gotten my Z31 to 145, I'm POSITIVE that a Mazdaspeed 3 can go faster than 150 if all electronic governing equipment is disabled.

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project

maybe, but which car do you think would make it there first?

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_________________________
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
[www.henryism.com]

I think the MS3 would do better than you think. It has 263hp at the crank which means it probably puts down around 240-250 to the wheels. The 03-06 350z puts down roughly the same power to the wheels. Aero wise they aren't that far off from eachother to make much of a difference. Gearing is about the only place where I could see there being an advantage but to be honest I don't know enough about gearing on either car to say. I mean the SRT-4 neon has been known to keep up with 350z's from a roll up to triple digit speeds, so why not the MS3 that has more power?

I know you guys love your 350's but seriously they are out dated when it comes to performance (HR motors are barely hanging on to the times). I've said it before but Nissan really hasn't had to push the Z forward much since there isn't really any direct competition to it from Japan. Here in the states more and more cars are becoming 400hp monsters or fast little 4cly turbos, so Nissan better step it up if it's to stay competitive. Honestly I'm not sure even 330hp and slightly ligher will cut it with the rumored 35k base price for the next gen Z. Once you start getting close to the 40k mark other cars become much more attractive with much more hp.

@280z/300zx: that is a good point. Once you hit those price points, you can start getting into real performance.

C'mon Nissan - get in the game, lets have some power to go with the handling.

justinrhenry Wrote:
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> maybe, but which car do you think would make it
> there first?


I'd say it depends on gearing, and I don't know enough about the MS3's gearbox or differential make a valid inference.

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project

Why can't Nissan use the 5.0 liter V8 that is going into the new 2009 FX50!? It has 390hp! Maybe too heavy and too big for the engine compartment? Heck, if the Z06, which is lighter can have a V8, why not the Z!?

No Z will ever need a V8. Thats what turbos are for.

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project

Why does anyone care about a car winning "YouTube Video Racing?" Its meaningless.

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John Coffey
[www.betamotorsports.com]

A good point Mr.Coffey, I guess it's a matter of pride. On the same token I'm glad I don't drive a station wagon I guess.

both the Z and the Mazdaspeed3 are hatchbacks.

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1985 300ZX n/a

See my Z project