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      04-15-2013, 04:01 PM   #1
keepittrill
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A little disappointed.

Just got a '10 Sdrive30i in black on black, and I've gotta say, I love everything BUT the engine. As an 18 year old male, I've got too much testosterone flowing to have such a lack of power. The Nismo 370z that I test drove was much faster, but is still a Nissan at the end of the day. I feel like an ungrateful, self-entitled little #%@$, but I can't help thinking this Anyone else move up from a 30i or 28i to a 35i or 35is?
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      04-15-2013, 04:27 PM   #2
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Looks like you didn't test drive it. Lesson learned. You'd def like the 35i (not the 28i) but I don't know what your options are at this point.
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      04-15-2013, 04:32 PM   #3
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Oh wait, I just read another post of yours saying that your parents got you this car as a graduation gift. I agree with you. You are a self-entitled little ?$^*%.
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      04-15-2013, 04:45 PM   #4
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Well, thanks for the reply. The first one, anyway. I was just asking a question to see the difference between the two. But hey, if that's your opinion, I can't say anything to change it. Have a great day, anonymous sir!
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      04-15-2013, 04:47 PM   #5
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There's a great quote attributed to Colin McRae that goes like this: "Straight roads are for fast cars, turns are for fast drivers."

If you plan on taking the car to a drag strip, then I get it.

If you want to learn how to drive fast, then it's about learning how to look where you need to and brake when you're supposed to, not hitting the gas pedal. You've got a well-made car there, enjoy it, and learn how to drive it well. Take a Car Control Clinic (they're sponsored by the BMW CCA). Learn the car's performance threshold, which isn't about how much HP it has.

And regarding that testosterone, I'd venture I could take the most juiced-up testosterone/HGH injected meathead (not saying you're that, just using the most extreme example), stick him in a Miata, and have him pooping puppies in one lap. Ingrid Steffensen has written a book with the subtitle "Don't Brake Until You See the Face of God". Anyone who's spent time on a track with serious instruction knows exactly what that means .
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      04-15-2013, 04:50 PM   #6
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Thanks for the input mbetoni, it actually makes sense! I was always surprised to see how the FR-S matched the 370Z in lap time, which just proves that power isn't the only thing a car can offer. The car control clinic sounds like a good idea, to be honest. I'd rather not end up wrapping myself around a tree :P
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      04-15-2013, 05:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keepittrill View Post
Thanks for the input mbetoni, it actually makes sense! I was always surprised to see how the FR-S matched the 370Z in lap time, which just proves that power isn't the only thing a car can offer. The car control clinic sounds like a good idea, to be honest. I'd rather not end up wrapping myself around a tree :P
They're terrific. Low cost, great instruction, you do it in your car and it pushes you out of your comfort zone (i.e., you WILL spin the car, on purpose). It's a great first step towards really learning how to drive, vs. the poor excuse for driving instruction most teenagers get today. Plus, you'll walk away with more confidence in your ability and with some knowledge to really have FUN in your car.

The car's got the looks to get them in the passenger seat. Apply a little bit of knowledge on a curvy back road (WITHIN the law/reason), and the panties will drop. Promise.
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      04-15-2013, 05:09 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbetoni View Post
They're terrific. Low cost, great instruction, you do it in your car and it pushes you out of your comfort zone (i.e., you WILL spin the car, on purpose). It's a great first step towards really learning how to drive, vs. the poor excuse for driving instruction most teenagers get today. Plus, you'll walk away with more confidence in your ability and with some knowledge to really have FUN in your car.

The car's got the looks to get them in the passenger seat. Apply a little bit of knowledge on a curvy back road (WITHIN the law/reason), and the panties will drop. Promise.
That sounds perfect! What are the steps to getting registered to one of them?
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      04-15-2013, 05:12 PM   #9
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first off, congrats on the car. Nice car, especially when you are 18, and when it is a gift

Like others have said, go get some instruction and seat time at a track day or autoX. the 30i with stock sport package is a capable car and will be a lot of fun.

I know what you mean about the power. Sometimes I think my 35i is a slug too so we all feel that way from time to time.

Congrats and enjoy. Try not to let the relatively low straight line power bother you and enjoy the handling and other aspects of the car.
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      04-15-2013, 07:22 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keepittrill View Post
That sounds perfect! What are the steps to getting registered to one of them?
Your local CCA chapter is the Roadrunner chapter. That link is to their events page. Looks like the next clinic they have is being run in conjunction with the local PCA club (Porsche) on April 20th. $150 for the day, seems all are welcome.

Also, you may want to invest in joining the club ($35-$40 per year). It looks like that chapter has some awesome events, like the Devil's Highway Alpine Loop drive in June, and many others.

Best of luck.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nicknaz View Post
Try not to let the relatively low straight line power bother you and enjoy the handling and other aspects of the car.
When I was 18 I was cruising around in either my family's '87 Ford Escort or my buddy's '89 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. I think he'll be alright .
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      04-15-2013, 07:25 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keepittrill View Post
Well, thanks for the reply. The first one, anyway. I was just asking a question to see the difference between the two. But hey, if that's your opinion, I can't say anything to change it. Have a great day, anonymous sir!
No offense meant, but those were your words, not mine. I just happen to agree.
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      04-15-2013, 07:39 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbetoni View Post
Your local CCA chapter

....

When I was 18 I was cruising around in either my family's '87 Ford Escort or my buddy's '89 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. I think he'll be alright .
Are you taking BMW CCA? If so, check the rules, as we discussed in another thread, the decision to allow convertibles without aftermarket roll cage on track is a region decision, and some BMW CCA chapters (i.e. san diego) don't allow the E89

Same idea though OP, get on the track... cost of $150-$200 is right on.

@mbetoni, see I think it is easier to have a complete beater than a flashy looking and slow car. I know that when I had a WRX wagon I LOVED pulling up to non turbo Z4, base Boxster, etc. Nothing like a WAGON pulling hard on a pure sports cars

sorry that probably didn't help OP
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      04-15-2013, 07:55 PM   #13
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Thanks for all the information, mbetoni! That sounds like something I would definitely like to do within the month. And thank you, Nicknaz! You guys are both right, of course. I forgot the other aspects of driving that this car excels at! I suppose if I wanted ridiculous engine power, I could have bought a mustang GT, but where's the fun in that? I actually like being able to drive around corners ;P
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      04-15-2013, 08:00 PM   #14
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I was talking BMW CCA. You're absolutely right, they do NOT allow convertibles w/o a roll bar at their HPDE events.

However, they DO allow them (and any car you come with, not just BMWs) at their Car Control Clinics, which are geared towards newer drivers (read, teenagers) to teach them about driving dynamics and the basic principles of traction, braking and car control.

Additionally, I noticed that the next education event his local chapter is running is in conjunction with the PCA, and that one is being run by the PCA. From what I also understand, the PCA does not have the same restrictions on open top cars that BMW CCA does. OP will need to do a little investigating, if he's interested.

Nick, agreed, lots of fun surprising a flash car with a sleeper. I can assure you, my family's '87 Escort was completely neither - HA.
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      04-15-2013, 08:36 PM   #15
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Another possibility is a Performance Driving Experience with the SCCA, if you can wait until October. Here is the link to your local branch of the Sports Car Club of America. http://www.azscca.com/pdx/ . I was an instructor at one a few weeks ago and had a great time, that is until I got car sick in the passenger seat!!! Fortunately I didn't barf in the car, just got woozy.
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      04-16-2013, 12:01 AM   #16
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BTW you aren't allowed to crash your car
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      04-16-2013, 12:31 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mbetoni View Post
When I was 18 I was cruising around in either my family's '87 Ford Escort or my buddy's '89 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. I think he'll be alright .
Heh, I had a 84 Subaru Justy when I was 18
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      04-16-2013, 06:38 PM   #18
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Nicknaz, of course not! I absolutely forbid myself from causing any damage to the car! The rest of my family's cars are fair game, of course(; and wparente, that sounds great as well! I'm sure you'd have been barfing had i been driving ;P
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      04-16-2013, 07:22 PM   #19
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keepittrill you only have 15% less horsepower than the 35i and I know on the track you will catch a stock 35i by the 3rd lap and make the pass when it is in limp mode. Your bhp power to curb weight ratio is 12.7lb/hp compared to a 35i at 11.65lb/hp. You have a lower Cd at 0.34 compared to 0.35, you brake better with your curb weight advantage of 250 less lbs.
You get the idea......Now the ability of the 35i owner to spend $1000 for a JB4 tuner with integrated meth injection will create a 7lb/bhp beast that the 30i will then need a few more laps to wait for the limp mode to level the playing field.
You have a great car. Enjoy your ride on the street and use the performance on the track or parking lot events.
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      04-17-2013, 03:07 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by z4z4z4 View Post
keepittrill you only have 15% less horsepower than the 35i and I know on the track you will catch a stock 35i by the 3rd lap and make the pass when it is in limp mode. Your bhp power to curb weight ratio is 12.7lb/hp compared to a 35i at 11.65lb/hp. You have a lower Cd at 0.34 compared to 0.35, you brake better with your curb weight advantage of 250 less lbs.
You get the idea......Now the ability of the 35i owner to spend $1000 for a JB4 tuner with integrated meth injection will create a 7lb/bhp beast that the 30i will then need a few more laps to wait for the limp mode to level the playing field.
You have a great car. Enjoy your ride on the street and use the performance on the track or parking lot events.
And it has superior fuel economy allowing for more laps between pit-stops.

The N52 is a fantastic engine, while quicker in the 150kg lighter E85 of course. And while it is hard to over-look the tuning potential of the N54, in my mind the N52 still represents the very essence of (yesterdays) BMW engineering. To most of us a roadster is not so much about fuel efficiency. Therefore it is sad that only the difficult-to-look-at Boxter offers anything NA and lightweight in this segment today.
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      04-17-2013, 03:24 AM   #21
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There are any number of thoughts that go through my head when I read this post. Here in the UK, cars as gifts are seen to be for the top classes in society, frowned upon by everyone else pretty much. To think that someone could then moan about it is quite startling.

Most people could not afford a car like this, and if they could, they'd be in their 30's and the car on finance.

OP, I suggest you be happy. Because if this disappoints you, imagine how you'll feel when the financial support from your family ceases and you'll have to buy things with money earned from a job you don't like.
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      04-17-2013, 04:32 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by keepittrill View Post
Just got a '10 Sdrive30i in black on black, and I've gotta say, I love everything BUT the engine.

... such a lack of power.
The N52 is an acquired taste. If you do not absolutely love it, just continue to spend time behind the wheel. It is like developing a taste for fine wine, once you have sampled a few varieties you will come to appreciate what a magnificent vehicle you have.

If you love or hate a car based on h.p. alone, you've got the wrong car. There are plenty of hp monsters out there that may better fit your perception of what makes a vehicle worthy. Your vehicle is a blend of factors that make for a spectacular sports car, hp is only one of those factors.

You did not indicate your transmission, I hope you have the 6 speed manual. It requires you to learn more about the balance of your Z's power delivery/suspension/braking, by being more involved in the cars performance.

I would suggest that you try and spend time in your vehicle alone. With the radio off, and the top down. Find some roads out in the country with some sweeping turns, some straightaways and some hills.

Your Z is the finest example of a true sports car that is built with the most modern and innovative engineering.

My previous vehicle was a C6 Corvette. 400+hp. Very nice car. For me, it did not provide the same level of driver enjoyment and involvement as the Z4.

Think less, drive more.
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