Matt Cave

It sounds like a great idea to me. The Zed is pretty heavy already so an extra 20kg for the tank isn't the end of the world. The car can still run on petrol if you like and you're desperate for every last BHP but if, like me, you only want to run one car you can still do long runs without it breaking the bank. The Zed is a very competent GT, and even more so if you can cut the running costs when cruising. At the end of the day, how much of the time are you utilising the top end of the power band? In all honesty it's probably only a small percentage of the time. My only concern is what effect it would have on the manufacturers warranty.

I thought part of the challenge with header/manifold design was that the relative LENGTH of each branch is important, specifically they should all be of similar or ideally equal length to give consistent harmonic effects across cylinders. Hence why the rear (and to lesser extent middle) outlet pipe needs more bends it to make it the same length as the front pipe? I'm not very familiar with V6 engines but that's the general principle on a most (and I mean *most*, not all) inline 4 cylinder engines.

I can honestly say that of the 3 cars (350Z, Boxster, TT) I find myself instinctively drawn to the 350Z the most. It's just a bit more less..... well, German. I've always liked cars that are a bit rough around the edges (previously owned an Elise, a VX220, a couple of modified Minis, and a modifed E30 BMW) and the 350Z appeals to that side of me quite a lot. Even the girlfriend likes the Zed more which is surprising as it's the least subtle of the three, and she tends to go for understated more than brash.

I want to test drive a TT and a Boxster so I don't end up wondering if I've made the right choice later. I'll probably still find I prefer the Zed, but I can't spend £20k without playing the field a bit first. I personally love the looks of the Boxster (even better looking than the Zed to my eyes), and few would argue that the interior is better quality than the Zed. Also, being rather tall, driving position is hugely important to me, and the TT offers a lot better seat adjustment than the Zed. The TT's also more common and older so there are more out there to choose from. The downside to the TT is that every man and his dog has got one. The downside to the Boxster is horrible servicing costs, and the "arrogant corporate cocksucker" image that goes with owning a poor-mans 911. But you've gotta give 'em a go, right?

I enjoyed it. Localised flooding on some of the roads on the test route didn't help, but still enjoyed the performance. I'll be swapping from a VX220 if I do decide on the Zed, so smile-factor was actually second on the agenda; daily useability is number one. Here's the summary I sent to a couple of my mates at work...

I'm 6' 7" and am taking my first test drive in a 350Z at lunchtime today. The fact that I can physically sit upright in the car with the door closed and still actually turn the wheel means it outdoes most of the other cars in its class for space. Will have to see if I can actually get comfy driving it a decent distance, and whether I can find somewhere to put my elbows. I'm kinda used to being a bit cramped but I'm not used to toasting my butt unnecessarily as a result!!