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Finally drove a 350Z, impressions vs the 8.

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Old 07-14-2004, 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp76
And just what IS so great about the VQ? I can't see why it keeps making that list that makes Nissan owners oh-so-proud.

I mean, it's nowhere near as smooth, quiet, or refined as Honda's. AND, Honda's V6's make as much power from smaller, more efficient engines. But like that guy from Honda said a few years ago, their ponies "are healthier than Nissan's."
Problem with Honda is they lack torque compare to the Nissans.
Old 07-14-2004, 09:55 PM
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VQ: Smooth for a V6, lots of torque down low, fairly gas efficient, sounds great, proven design, reliable, cheap to produce, well balanced, powerful, tons of mods available, very clean........ What's not great about it?
Old 07-14-2004, 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp76
And just what IS so great about the VQ? I can't see why it keeps making that list that makes Nissan owners oh-so-proud.

I mean, it's nowhere near as smooth, quiet, or refined as Honda's. AND, Honda's V6's make as much power from smaller, more efficient engines. But like that guy from Honda said a few years ago, their ponies "are healthier than Nissan's."
Just what is healthy power? One horspower, according to James Watt, is 550 (ft-lbf)/s, and a Watt is 1 J/s. It's always going to be that way. Besides, what are you comparing the VQ engines with? Honda has several versions of the "C" series engine. Are you talking about the C32B? Vee engines have always been easier to design and work with. What's the advantage of a VQ30DETT over the RB26DETT? Other than the RB being outdated (yes, I know the VQ started manufacture in the mid to late 1990's), not to mention unbelievably heavy, it suffers from horrible mechanical vibrations compared to the VQ. Vee engines have always proven themselves to have low NVH versus inline engines. Thus, vee engines have a better time handling high horsepower, though inline-6 engines such as Toyota's "J" Series and, of course Nissan's RB are almost as bulletproof. Also, I don't see a reason why Honda engines run smoother than Nissan's. How can you make a statement without saying why it is? It's almost like writing 2+3. 2+3 what? See, it doesn't make sense. I'm not calling you an idiot, because we're all friends here. I just think it's annoying when people cannot justify their claims.
Old 07-15-2004, 12:52 AM
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Originally Posted by shelleys_man_06
Just what is healthy power?

I don't see a reason why Honda engines run smoother than Nissan's. How can you make a statement without saying why it is? It's almost like writing 2+3. 2+3 what? See, it doesn't make sense. I'm not calling you an idiot, because we're all friends here. I just think it's annoying when people cannot justify their claims.
NVH is dependant on a lot more than just the engine design... engine mounts, chassis structure and mass, noise insulation, drive line design, acceleration characteristics (how abruptly the rate of acceleration changes in each gear), etc all influences teh perception of how "smooth" an engine is.
Old 07-16-2004, 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Hanzo
Problem with Honda is they lack torque compare to the Nissans.
Torque, smorque. They more than make up for it with high-rpm power and REFINEMENT. Much like the renesis.
Old 07-16-2004, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by shelleys_man_06
Also, I don't see a reason why Honda engines run smoother than Nissan's. How can you make a statement without saying why it is?
But they are smoother, who knows, or cares, why. I don't build them, or want either, so I don't HAVE to justify the claim since I have nothing staked.

Anyone who's been in an Accord EX, then jumps into an Altima/Maxima will agree that the Accord is smoother and quieter. Same story with the TL vs. the G35, and so on.

I just think it's annoying when people cannot justify their claims.
Almost as annoying as know-it-all kids who live on message forums and responds to EVERY post.
Old 07-16-2004, 03:33 PM
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Whoa bro'. Look, I don't know what crawled up your butt, but I never admitted to being a know-it-all. You don't like what I have to say? Don't read it. It's that simple. We're all friends here, but obviously you want to take a simple post as a hostile threat. Get over it.

Last edited by shelleys_man_06; 07-16-2004 at 03:40 PM.
Old 07-16-2004, 04:16 PM
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Originally Posted by shelleys_man_06
And this is in response to...Seriously, I have no idea what you're talking about bro' .
Originally Posted by shelleys_man_06
Factory turbocharged cars are being phased out for equally powerful, not to mention reliable, N/A powerplants. The WRX, EVO, Cooper S (it's supercharged, but it's got a compressor strapped to it) are exceptions. The high-dollar turbo cars don't count . I like the way auto companies are going. They're pretty much going back to the basics of engine design. You can definitely squeeze more power out of an engine with the right tuning. In the late 90s, we saw a resurgence of small and powerful N/A engines, thanks to the various types of valve timing, or in the 13B-MSPs case, port and intake design. Look at BMW's E46 M3 engine. 3.2 liters, 333 hp. That's pretty insane, even today. I can't wait until they employ Valvetronic and Double VANOS on that engine . Not to say that turbos aren't great. In fact, I would love to have Buchi's invention on my 8. I just don't want it to come out of the factory (think price and insurance ). The turbocharged hp wars are over. Thank goodness. The early to mid 90s was getting nutty. The best band-aid for bad designs was a turbocharger. I guess that was the mindset then. I mean, nobody wants a 2JZ-GE, they want the the GTE model. The N/A was just dead weight IMO. I hope we don't see more turbocharged factory cars, unless they're proven to be efficienct, reliable and environmentally friendly (I hope you can remember the FD3S when you think about that).
That's what I was referring to.

Peace
policy
Old 07-16-2004, 04:26 PM
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Oh. Pfffft. Sorry about that. I wanted to be more specific and say that the turbocharged Japanese sport coupes have been phased out, at least for now. No more Supra RZ, and no more FD. Of course, your counterpoint was right in saying that there are all sorts of factory cars that come turbocharged.
Old 07-16-2004, 05:12 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp76
But they are smoother, who knows, or cares, why. I don't build them, or want either, so I don't HAVE to justify the claim since I have nothing staked.

Anyone who's been in an Accord EX, then jumps into an Altima/Maxima will agree that the Accord is smoother and quieter. Same story with the TL vs. the G35, and so on.

Almost as annoying as know-it-all kids who live on message forums and responds to EVERY post.
Every wondered why there are usually two ways to describe an engine? It's either powerful, or it's very smooth and pleasant. Ever notice if you don't floor your car all the way the engine feels smoother? Why? TORQUE! You never hear anyone describe an engine with tons of torque as being 'smooth'.

Kids? You don't sound older yourself. :p
Old 07-16-2004, 10:24 PM
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Whatever......if the VQ was all that or if nissan had the engine know-how of honduh, they'd figure out a way to make it sound good to the ears and feel like something other than a giant blender.
Old 07-16-2004, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by shelleys_man_06
Whoa bro'. Look, I don't know what crawled up your butt, but I never admitted to being a know-it-all. You don't like what I have to say? Don't read it. It's that simple. We're all friends here, but obviously you want to take a simple post as a hostile threat. Get over it.
Look, I don't know what crawled up your butt. You don't like what I have to say? Don't read it. It's that simple. Obviously you want to take a simple post as a hostile threat. Get over it.
Old 07-17-2004, 01:32 PM
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Wink

Alright scorp, since you insist on comparing, why don't we compare your beloved Mazda Renesis to the run of the mill NIssan VQ35DE:

Let's compare:

1) Weight -
2) Power -
3) Cost -
4) Reliability -
5) Durability -
6) Quarks -
7) Torque -
8) Gas Milage -
9) Smooth -
10) Aftermarket Support -
11) Peak Power after mod -
12) Flexibility -
13) Sound -
14) Size -
15) Maintenance -

VQ35DE will be pushing 295hp 280lb.ft toque before the end of the year. Renesis is still struggling to prove its 247hp to unbelievers. (I know I know, most people here don't care about power, but we are talking about engines here) The VQ is nearly 3 times the size of the Renesis, but it gets better gas milage........

I know you have your reasons to hate Nissan and all, but once awhile you gotta be just so slightly reasonable to make a convincing arguement.
Old 07-17-2004, 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Skyline Maniac
6) Quarks -
the nissan engine has Quarks in it ? well no wonder it has so much T. why doesn't the extra mass slow it down?
Old 07-17-2004, 11:41 PM
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http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.c...04%20RX-8;22&&


kelly's Blue book, 5 year cost of ownership

Mazda RX-8--ROTARY (1.3 Liter) Coupe 4D (6-Spd - 34,590

Nissan 350Z--V6 (3.5 Liter) 56064 Coupe 2D (6-Spd) - 35,014

Will this help a little??
Old 07-17-2004, 11:57 PM
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11.23 power to weight for the 350 Z Track Model
12.12 Power to weight for the Rx8 6spd manual

so the rx8 the 4 door 4 seater sport sedan is 1.11 behind the 2 door 2 seater 350z sports car. Thats not bad considering you are comparing a 1.3L engine to a 3.5L engine.
Old 07-18-2004, 12:38 AM
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2.6
Old 07-18-2004, 01:48 AM
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I hang out here on this form. I dont get you guys. Cant you admit that the VQ is a much more powerful engine? And it should be considering size of engine. The eight is a great car, it handles well and takes turns like a champ, it just has no power. Which is fine, everyone has their reasons to buy a car, and anyone knows when buying a 8 they are going to be lacking power but making up for it in handling.
Old 07-18-2004, 09:41 AM
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wow, I started this thread and haven't been back in a bit.

Personally, I think the VQ is a great engine, Nissan did a good thing my investing alot into it and spreading it over alot of cars. It really just comes down to your dring style and preferences, some people like alot of TQ and the ability to jump off the line quickly, or they may drag race. I for one prefer light weight and fairly high strung. I am glad Nissan brought the Z back, more sports cars just means more products and competition, which in the end everyone benefits.
Old 07-18-2004, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by 350black
I hang out here on this form. I dont get you guys. Cant you admit that the VQ is a much more powerful engine? And it should be considering size of engine. The eight is a great car, it handles well and takes turns like a champ, it just has no power. Which is fine, everyone has their reasons to buy a car, and anyone knows when buying a 8 they are going to be lacking power but making up for it in handling.
Correct. The 350Z simply IS the more powerful car of the two and every review points out that its engine really rocks.

And I don't get the point of this eternal 350Z / S2000 / RX-8 debate. It's OK to discuss advantages and disadvantages, but all three are supreme japanese sports cars that deliver lots of value for the money. The rest is just a matter of taste and objective personal needs.
Old 07-18-2004, 07:45 PM
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Originally Posted by AQA101
Correct. The 350Z simply IS the more powerful car of the two and every review points out that its engine really rocks.

And I don't get the point of this eternal 350Z / S2000 / RX-8 debate. It's OK to discuss advantages and disadvantages, but all three are supreme japanese sports cars that deliver lots of value for the money. The rest is just a matter of taste and objective personal needs.
Exactly, I can appriciate all types of cars. I like cars, I am a car enthuasist, both cars do certain things very well and others not so well but in the end they are both awesome.
Old 07-19-2004, 12:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Skyline Maniac
Alright scorp, since you insist on comparing, why don't we compare your beloved Mazda Renesis to the run of the mill NIssan VQ35DE:
Uh no, let's not, since the subject was Honda's V6's vs. your overran, beloved VQ. You know, apples to apples.

VQ35DE will be pushing 295hp 280lb.ft toque (on paper) before the end of the year.
Fixed it for you.

I know you have your reasons to hate Nissan and all, but once awhile you gotta be just so slightly reasonable to make a convincing arguement.
I did. I kinda gave it props for making the list, which frankly is the only thing impressive about it.
Old 07-19-2004, 02:20 AM
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I read this whole thread...and the only question i need to ask is...

How old are you scorp76?...please don't say 28 referring to your screenname "76=1976."

Based on you're replies and answers I'd have to give you less credibility on your statements.

I dont' think I'm being bias either
Old 07-19-2004, 03:44 AM
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Shim, just ignore Scorp, he is about the biggest RX-8 fanboi on the boards, and has some weird bug up his bum about Nissan.
Old 07-19-2004, 06:51 AM
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I dont understand some people. Just because you buy one type of car why does that mean that you can not like other cars?


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