[GatorBlue371]

Originally Posted by Tal

If a car is light it's because it's small, made for small people, lacks extra space (2 seaters, 4 seaters with tiny back seats, tiny trunks, etc) and/or it is slow (going fast takes heavier duty components, particularly when you want to avoid warranty repairs and thus costs down). I can't think of a single car lighter than the Camaro with it's performance capabilities speed/passenger/cargo/mpg(and from early indications handling) that isn't around twice the price (or more), and these few lighter much more expensive cars most likely still manage get worse mpg's despite their slight weight advantage.

As for the 370Z, it seems like an ok car if it's what someone wants, but it's going to be a step below the Camaro in speed and utility, with a likely step up in handling. Both seem like strong values, speed vs handling is personal taste but the 370 won't be slow and the Camaro won't handle bad so there's no real losing in this choice unless the extra utility of the Camaro matters to you (back seats and and larger trunk).

i probably have a good insiders view on this because my brother drives a GTO, and my Girlfriend drives a 350z... both accurately represent a similar driving expirience to what should be expected from the Camaro and 370z.

The Z gives much more road 'feel'. Its got a touchy throttle and very responsive steering. Good car for the twisties. It doesnt feel overly nimble, but it rides very low, transmits a good amount of road feel and engine noise, which makes it feel like its going faster than it really is. Good for everything but racing. Makes everything fun. The big complaints i have for the Z's are A. they are just downright uncomfortable. There is no way around this. and B. the closer you get to redline...5k-7k the more the car, and specfically the engine, begin to shake in a way that makes you want to slow down.

The GTO is a completely different animal. Where the 350z makes you feel like your in a cockpit (never looking at the speedometer because your speed is displayed digitally on the dashboard) the GTO is like sitting on a sofa driving a bigger car. It only really has maybe 200lbs on the Z, but it feels much bigger, mainly because, everything is bigger. You sit in a large comfy seat, not much like the racy uncomfortable seats in the Z, the steering wheel is bigger, you ride higher, and all the knobs/displays are bigger. Now if these cars were to race it'd be GTO all the way, HOWEVER the Z feels FASTER when your not pushing the cars because of the touchy throttle. The GTO only really opens up when you open the car up. It drives smooth and big like a sedan until you push it, and then the engine responds. It doesnt feel nearly as nimble or responsive as the Z, but it feels like you could beat the Shit out of the car for hours and not have a problem.