Girl Eye for the Car Guy
by Lori Lovely
2004 Nissan 350Z
Still driving that 1974 Chevy Nova, wondering why you’re not wowing the women? Leave behind the fuzzy dice hanging from the rearview mirror, forget about the Hardee’s 20-ounce cups on the floor. What you need is a whole new look; we’re talking an overhaul so major, we’ll need a Hemi to cart away the cast-offs.
To bring you into this decade, our first stop is Collins Nissan on Indy’s Westside. A quick glance around the lot reveals the perfect machinery to showcase your newfound style and sophistication, and, of course, your driving skill: the black 2004 Nissan 350Z. I selected the popular touring model for you, with leather seats, six-speed manual (because, according to the Girl Eye rule book, to be a “real” sports car, it HAS to be a manual!), 18-inch wheels, 240-watt Bose sound system and the racy aluminum pedals. For a couple grand more, the track model is also a good choice: vented Brembo brakes, lightweight aluminum wheels, front and rear spoilers and xenon headlights. No sunroof, no T-top, but Nissan does make a convertible for ’04; I’m just not sure you’re ready for that much style yet. While many compare the 350Z to a Porsche (in both looks and performance), this slick little sports car with bulging front fenders and fast back reminds me more of an Audi TT with a sleeker, windswept roofline. If it looks like it’s ready for the racetrack, maybe that’s because it is. Or, it could be. It’s fast. It’s responsive. It’s fun to drive, with race car handling, rear-wheel drive and plenty of torque low rpm giving it a pure sports car feel. Go ahead, slide in, get comfortable. The Z’s seats are form-fitting and comfortable — although I would prefer a little more on the bolster for the kind of speeds I’m going to teach you to handle. Supposedly imitating carbon fiber, the cockpit falls short of encapsulating you like a true race car. The Z’s interior is a few steps above bare bones, but don’t expect a lot of frills. You have the basics: wiper and headlamp controls mounted on short stalks, overhead map lights and a bin for sunglasses, power window switches, a pair of cup holders in the center console mounted too far rearward for use by the driver (what are you going to do: drink or drive?) and minimal storage. No glovebox. There is, however, a lockable box, and the hatchback claims it will hold two golf bags: his and hers? Gauges are easily viewed, with three spherical gauges atop the dash, and the rest moving with the tilt steering column. You can program the Trip Computer and ideal shift points for acceleration or fuel economy — but you’ll score points in the style category if you shift by feel rather than by “dummy light.” Let’s take it down the catwalk — er, street — and strut your stuff. A chassis as rigid as a prototype’s and suspension that keeps the tires glued to the tarmac through fast corners might put you in a race car driver frame of mind. You’ll soon discover that its extremely short front overhang and short rear overhang make for agile handling. Go ahead — bounce over the curbs like Juan Pablo Montoya; the Z will hold its line. Designed for a minimum of drag, the 350Z provides a stable ride at high speeds, with low levels of wind noise and buffeting. Punch the throttle; don’t be afraid. The Z’s 287 horsepower and powerful acceleration won’t hurt. You can handle it. The longitudinally mounted V6 engine is smooth and quiet — comfortable and unwavering at high speeds. But this engine is more about low rpm torque than high-revving horsepower. The Z is balanced well for accelerating out of corners, with its front mid-ship engine placement improving weight distribution and handling. No sloppy oversteer or messy understeer in the corners. The steering is as sharp as your new image. Cornering is pretty flat, without much body roll, plenty of grip. Brakes are well-balanced, with Brake Assist for the ABS and traction control for slippery situations. The six-speed gearbox shifts smoothly with short throws, but isn’t as affirmative as I prefer. The clutch is comfortable and well-synchronized, but I’ll bet within months, you’ll dare to try shifting without it. A firm ride in the strictly two-seater reminds you that this is not a family car; this is for driving enthusiasts who appreciate performance without the big price. Precise steering, accurate handling on taut suspension, lots of torque and excellent grip make this a real driver’s car. And that’s what you are now: a real driver. You’re no poseur; neither is the 350Z. It’s a real sports car. Now, go back to Collins and get it, then go out with style. Make me proud!
