Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling (Post 2604786)

The Z isn't really a driver's car though. It's a competent all-around sports car, but it's overweight and the engine, although having decent power, isn't that amazing. It's a fairly good car, but it's more like a Japanese Mustang than a Silvia/240sx/GT86.

Originally Posted by OldSkoolToys (Post 2605290)

Still don't see why they can't create a lighter platform for sports cars (New S and Z), and then 'stretch' it for any bigger Infiniti sport luxury cars they'd wish to use the platform for. They've already done so with the FM platform for the M35 and 45.

Let the SUV and land yacht sedans share their own platform. THAT is what is currently holding the Z back from getting its much needed sports car image re-invisioned.

Originally Posted by ZDan (Post 2605197)

It drives more like an S13, which is a good thing! My '91 240SX had just about the best-feeling power-steering I've ever experienced. My '94s steering was vague and rubbery and NUMB. Also, engine-wise my '91 happily pulled to indicated 7200 rev limiter, whereas my '94 fell flat above 6000.

I loved my '91, but the '94 was a disappointment, nowhere near as engaging or fun to drive.

Minor differences in wheelbase and front/rear track width stagger aren't the major players here, IMO. The 101" wheelbase 86 behaves more like the 97" wheelbase S13 than the 99" wheelbase S14.

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling (Post 2605872)

I know you liked your s13 more than the s14, but, meh, I don't agree. I think the KA is pretty boring in all versions. Needs an SR, IMO. The S13 understeers much more than the S14. The S14 is very neutral, and the steering feel on it can easily be improved with aftermarket parts. In fact, I'm pretty sure an S13 steering rack can fit in the S14 just fine. The only difference is you use a bushing from the S13 because there is a minor difference in thickness.

Originally Posted by ZDan (Post 2606402)

All I know is I tracked both of them (backups to my 240Z street track car) (totally stock and on mediocre UHP tires), and the S13 was fun to drive and engaging, the S14 was dull and the steering feel was nonexistent. In my experience they were both pretty neutral, but the S13 seemed to enjoy hanging the back end out a lot more. Fellow track-hound mentioned he'd never gotten a point-by from a car that was totally sideways at the time :P
Engine-wise, the earlier KA had different cams and had a lot more usable rpm headroom above peak power, up to 7200 indicated, where the later KA dies before its 6500 limit. It makes a big difference, at least it did to me.


S14 may feel more "stable and planted" to you, but it just feels less responsive and less fun to me.
I think it's a lot more to do with suspension tuning and bushing stiffnesses than the 97" vs. 99" wheelbase. But in any case I generally prefer shorter wheelbases. If the twins are more like the S14, all the more reason for me to keep DDing the S2000 :D

Originally Posted by Vracer111 (Post 2597128)

NISMO Juke RS...if they made a RWD one it would be game over for the miata in terms of handling. As it is now, the NISMO Juke RS already feels more like driving the FR-S than the ND miata does.

Originally Posted by themadscientist (Post 2607533)

I like a car that is balanced like a lawn dart. 50/50 feels unnatural to me. Get the center of gravity right between the front wheels and I am happy as a fat kid with cake.

Originally Posted by themadscientist (Post 2607737)

I have an ascot, we just need two chicks to roll with us, a dog and you are going to need to become a stoner.

Originally Posted by themadscientist (Post 2607533)

I like a car that is balanced like a lawn dart. 50/50 feels unnatural to me. Get the center of gravity right between the front wheels and I am happy as a fat kid with cake.

Originally Posted by Sideways&Smiling (Post 2607434)

The wheelbase of the twins is 101.2"... pretty long for these sorts of cars.