400Z driven - some thoughts…
Discussion
Have had this for a day, curtesy of a mate, thought a few might like to know a regular dude’s view…
Short version - it’s fun, would be a great everyday car, a bit small inside and a bit rough around the edges. But superb value for money.
I scored this manual Z400 for a day and used it for general running around and a few short fun runs. Didn’t really have time to give it a good going over on my favourite roads but had it long enough to know if I wanted to buy one.
I’ve checked a few other online reviews and they’re pretty much spot on. It’s a grunty little thing, the engine has plenty to give from about 2600rpm right to the 7000rpm redline. The gearbox has a nice short action - almost MX5-like, quite not quite as mechanical to feel as my 968.
The looks are great in my eyes. It’s well-proportioned, and the red of this one was bloody good to look at.
The handling/ride combo gives the everyday scores though. It’s not the sharpest thing, but rides so well on just about all surfaces you almost forget it’s a short wheelbase, 2-seater on 19” wheels.
Steering is quick and accurate but a little numb though, and the clutch and other major controls are similarly too-light. You get used to it but I think it’s just a bit too far from where it should be.
The other item of note is how muted the engine sounds. A new exhaust that allows some music would be Item One on the list.
The real drawback for me was the cabin. Not so much the fit and finish which is fine for me - my other cars are a Holden and a Hyundai - but it doesn’t feel like it’ll last like the Porsche. More that it’s a touch cramped. I’m 6’2” and 14st so not exactly an outlier regarding size but the seat didn’t quite go back far enough and the supportive seats were a good, albeit tight, fit.
Storage space is on par with a 30yo Porsche - not a great deal of it and the cup holders are in the wrong place - but the boot is small.
However none of this should distract from the fact the Europe is missing out on a really good coupe and one that is stonking vfm in this market. Competitors for the manual version over here are limited to a 5yo M2, a 10yo Cayman, or a 15yo Z4M. The manual Supra might be on its way, but it’s not here yet.
For me, though, the comparison is with my 968. Local market prices would allow me to buy a good 968 (ahem, done) and add turbo and a decent pair of front seats (might have already looked into these…) Would I use it as a daily driver like the Z? Possibly. It wouldn’t be as refined but would likely offer more fun more often.
But as long as you fit. the Z is a good fun package.
Regarding pics - I took a few but you’ll find far better and more informative pics on the various test drive articles. My potatocam couldn’t deal with the combination of colour and bright sunlight too well.
Short version - it’s fun, would be a great everyday car, a bit small inside and a bit rough around the edges. But superb value for money.
I scored this manual Z400 for a day and used it for general running around and a few short fun runs. Didn’t really have time to give it a good going over on my favourite roads but had it long enough to know if I wanted to buy one.
I’ve checked a few other online reviews and they’re pretty much spot on. It’s a grunty little thing, the engine has plenty to give from about 2600rpm right to the 7000rpm redline. The gearbox has a nice short action - almost MX5-like, quite not quite as mechanical to feel as my 968.
The looks are great in my eyes. It’s well-proportioned, and the red of this one was bloody good to look at.
The handling/ride combo gives the everyday scores though. It’s not the sharpest thing, but rides so well on just about all surfaces you almost forget it’s a short wheelbase, 2-seater on 19” wheels.
Steering is quick and accurate but a little numb though, and the clutch and other major controls are similarly too-light. You get used to it but I think it’s just a bit too far from where it should be.
The other item of note is how muted the engine sounds. A new exhaust that allows some music would be Item One on the list.
The real drawback for me was the cabin. Not so much the fit and finish which is fine for me - my other cars are a Holden and a Hyundai - but it doesn’t feel like it’ll last like the Porsche. More that it’s a touch cramped. I’m 6’2” and 14st so not exactly an outlier regarding size but the seat didn’t quite go back far enough and the supportive seats were a good, albeit tight, fit.
Storage space is on par with a 30yo Porsche - not a great deal of it and the cup holders are in the wrong place - but the boot is small.
However none of this should distract from the fact the Europe is missing out on a really good coupe and one that is stonking vfm in this market. Competitors for the manual version over here are limited to a 5yo M2, a 10yo Cayman, or a 15yo Z4M. The manual Supra might be on its way, but it’s not here yet.
For me, though, the comparison is with my 968. Local market prices would allow me to buy a good 968 (ahem, done) and add turbo and a decent pair of front seats (might have already looked into these…) Would I use it as a daily driver like the Z? Possibly. It wouldn’t be as refined but would likely offer more fun more often.
But as long as you fit. the Z is a good fun package.
Regarding pics - I took a few but you’ll find far better and more informative pics on the various test drive articles. My potatocam couldn’t deal with the combination of colour and bright sunlight too well.
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