Yesterday I took a Nissan 350Z roadster along the B road's I commute on every day, I was pushing the car very hard (so i thought) but the ESP never came in and the tyres diddnt make a squeek.

Today I did the same trip in the Octavia for a laugh, I pushed as hard as I dare but was probably around 20-30mph slower through the corners than I was yesterday :eek:

I know these are two totally different cars but I'm still amazed by the huge levels of grip the 350 has as well has the difference rear wheel drive can make when pushing on.

There was a point at which I would have spent a lot of more on the Skoda trying to make it handle and perform more like a sports car - but I'm glad I diddnt.

One thing that I did find in the Z was that on crests I normally go over at around 60mph, the Z's rear wheels lost traction for a moment - for a front wheel driver like me it just felt a little un-nerving.

I used to think my old ITR was a good handling car, as I suspect many of you think your own car handles well (dont take that the worng way, please) but as I've said I'm speechless when it comes to describing the handling of the Nissan.

An IAM and advanced dring course are on the way in the spring, I think

My Octavia currently gets about 16mpg on that journey when pushing it hard. The Z managed 19 when being pused even harder :eek: I think Nissan's claimed 32mpg is a load of rubbish.

but was probably around 20-30mph slower through the corners than I was yesterday :eek:

as I suspect many of you think your own car handles well (dont take that the worng way, please) but as I've said I'm speechless when it comes to describing the handling of the Nissan.

Ah, there's nothing quite like the evangelism of the converted, is there?

Sounds great, though!

ps. You must be doing well for a staff engineer!

ps. You must be doing well for a staff engineer!

Not too bad, though our house in Oxfordshire earnt more in 2 years than I did. As I said in the other thread, moving "up north" may prove to be the best choice we've made in a long time.

SWMBO is now working full time too - it all helps.

You're only young once and you've gotta do these things before you have kids.

Not too bad' date=' though our house in Oxfordshire earnt more in 2 years than I did. As I said in the other thread, moving "up north" may prove to be the best choice we've made in a long time.

SWMBO is now working full time too - it all helps.

You're only young once and you've gotta do these things before you have kids.[/quote']

Yep and think of all the money you have saved by not moving to New Zealand like you were going to. Atleast your nearer the in-laws now though.

Father-in-law and I actually had a good "bonding experience" (dont go there!) yesterday, he's a bike nut and loved the noise the Z car makes.

Phil, that is seriously gorgeous :orb_faint

I think Nissan's claimed 32mpg is a load of rubbish.

Low 30's is possible on a long run, though mid 20's is more typical for 'normal' use.

Another thread about your new car?

Jaysus!

(My grapes are probably sour anyway!)

I know these are two totally different cars but I'm still amazed by the huge levels of grip the 350 has as well has the difference rear wheel drive can make when pushing on.

There was a point at which I would have spent a lot of more on the Skoda trying to make it handle and perform more like a sports car - but I'm glad I diddnt.

One thing that I did find in the Z was that on crests I normally go over at around 60mph' date=' the Z's rear wheels lost traction for a moment - for a front wheel driver like me it just felt a little un-nerving.

I used to think my old ITR was a good handling car, as I suspect many of you think your own car handles well (dont take that the worng way, please) but as I've said I'm speechless when it comes to describing the handling of the Nissan.

.[/quote']

Stop it you're bringing back memories and now you have one :(

the reason for this can be many things.... or just one.

the 350Z was built purposely to go around corners fast and the octy was not!

the 350Z has wheels nicely tucked into all 4 corners with minimal overhang, the octy has not.

the 350 has a wider stance and is more stable at speeds and cornering, the Octy is not.

like you say different cars...different game altogether

I wish my car handled well. :(

I wish I could afford a 350Z :( :(