2008 Best Car Series: Japan

[homeforsummer]

Good choices with the GTR's and G37's, but I have to choose the Nissan Silvia S15

You can't choose the S15 as it isn't available brand new in 2008/9.

Nissan Dualis and Nissan Murano- difference? Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Patrol Wagon- difference?

That's being a little pedantic. I mean I'm not really a Nissan fan... in fact I'm struggling to think of any I like in the UK range... not even the Z. Anyway, there's still a difference between those models. The Dualis (Qashqai in the UK) is a jacked-up hatchback a bit like the Dodge Caliber, wheras the Murano is a premium soft-roader (which costs twice as much in the UK as the Qashqai) a bit like a BMW X3, and many models of the Dualis don't even have 4WD. The X-trail is a family soft-roader designed to compete, in the UK at least, with the Land Rover Freelander, Honda CR-V, Toyota Rav-4 etc (and it's £10k cheaper than the Murano so can't be compared with that). The Pathfinder and the Patrol are admittedly very similar, but I expect they continue building the Patrol as it's very popular in serious offroad conditions like in the middle east, Africa and so on. They've been building it for years so they may as well keep on building it I guess

 

[neanderthal]

Since the Mazda 2 is already nominated (I second BTW) Suzuki Swift Sport.

Small. Economical. Sporty. Looks cool. All it needs is an overdrive 6th gear for freeway cruising

 

[Prosthetic]

Because the Camaro is a sporty coupe, and the Corvette is a supercar? I definitely meant Skyline, not GT-R
Same platform and soon engine as the Nissan Z. I struggle to find much difference between them. Nissan Maxima and Skyline Sedan- Difference? Nissan Dualis and Nissan Murano- difference? Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan Patrol Wagon- difference?

Their is a bigger difference between the GT-R and Z then their is between the Vette and Camaro... Same thing with price. Personally I don't think a Corvette is a "supercar"... it doesn't have the presence or does it look good (in my opinion)... but if were basing it off performance then the GT-R is just as much of a supercar.

Link me to where is says the 2008 Z and the 2008 GT-R (Remember this one is NOT called the Skyline... now quit it) The Skyline sedan is just a G35... The Maxima is a family sedan that competes with the Accord, Camry, Malibu etc.. And I have no idea what the hell the Nissan Dualis is as we don't get it here in America... unless it's a rebaged "Rogue" then the difference is huge between that and the Murano... The Rogue is a small nimble crossover that is supposed to be a very practicle where as the Murano is a much larger premium luxury SUV more like that competes with the X5 and such.

We don't get the X-Trail here nor the Patrol Wagon... But Pathfinder is a small off-roader that I guess competes with the Wrangler and such.

The cars are split one is usually a cheaper less powerful and one is usually a bit more luxury and comes with some more gadgets... Same way GM does it but Nissan changes more then just the grill.

 

[eiriksmil]

Meh, an Evo with a big turbo slapped on? and you're comparing it to the GT-R?

I love how GTP people talk like they've owned all cars, ever even driven an Evo? Bet if you got to drive the most plain and "slowest" Evolution 1, you'd piss your pants or something.
Damn it, reality check.

I like the concept of the Mazda 2, that's all I can say. One of the few mainstream car producers not making their cars uglier, boxier and heavier. I also like the Suzuki SX4. It goes sideways.

 

[Jim Prower]

True, but comparing the "Bigger Hammer" approach taken by the FQ with the "Ultimate Technology" approach taken by the GT-R doesn't seem right.

Now, mind you, I like the Lancer Evolution. I'd own one over a Subaru Impreza any day. and perhaps a Mustang. and a Camaro. But if you were offered the FQ and the GT-R regardless of cost, which one would you choose?

 

[Azuremen]

Lexus LS460

The ultimate combination of looks and luxury.

 

[Brett]

Oh, any anyways:

That was going to be my nomination. 👍

And I may be getting in the very near future! 👍

 

[forza2.0]

True, but comparing the "Bigger Hammer" approach taken by the FQ with the "Ultimate Technology" approach taken by the GT-R doesn't seem right.

Now, mind you, I like the Lancer Evolution. I'd own one over a Subaru Impreza any day. and perhaps a Mustang. and a Camaro. But if you were offered the FQ and the GT-R regardless of cost, which one would you choose?

True, although the evo is also stuffed with technology, and its not really fair to say it uses the big hammer approach.

 

[YSSMAN]

Since my favourite (the Mazda 2) has already been nominated...

Which reminds me:

HEY USA!

We're supposed to be getting the Cube in early 2009. Huzzah!?

 

[homeforsummer]

Woo, good to see the Mazda 2 is popular. I make that four provisional votes including myself

True, although the evo is also stuffed with technology, and its not really fair to say it uses the big hammer approach.

Have to agree with Forza here, there is a hell of a lot of tech in that car. But it's fair to say it isn't as "sophisticated" as the GT-R

But if you were offered the FQ and the GT-R regardless of cost, which one would you choose?

I'd have the Evo 1 that Eirik mentioned, have easily as much fun as with either of those two, and save myself around £40k

But Pathfinder is a small off-roader that I guess competes with the Wrangler and such.

That made me laugh. The culture divide between the US and the UK seems so large when you describe a monster like the Pathfinder as a "small" off roader. It's one of the biggest we can get over here

 

[eiriksmil]

True, but comparing the "Bigger Hammer" approach taken by the FQ with the "Ultimate Technology" approach taken by the GT-R doesn't seem right.

Now, mind you, I like the Lancer Evolution. I'd own one over a Subaru Impreza any day. and perhaps a Mustang. and a Camaro. But if you were offered the FQ and the GT-R regardless of cost, which one would you choose?

Dude, seriously. I've heard the new Evo's also a spaceship. Btw, I take it you've driven both since you feel that comparison doesn't feel right
As to what I would choose regardless of cost, I'd probably take the most expensive one, drive it for a bit, then sell it and buy something less expensive. And as you and I both know, it's a really hypothetical as that won't happen.

Out of interest, what's the fastest/most fun car you've ever driven?

And on topic, Google the Mazda 2. I think it lost a 100 kgs over the previous model. And it looks so damn sexy.

 

[JCE]

Because my Nissan/Infiniti products were already nominated I vote for something I could actually afford...

The BRILLIANT Swift Sport.

 

[Thirdeye]

I'll also cast a vote for the ever amazing Honda S2000.

 

[TheCracker]

Impreza STi

Controversial looks to begin with. I'm now at peace with how the new Impreza looks and actually really love the STi version. It gets the job done too, being at least as good as the equivalent new Lancer Evo in every review i've read.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Their is a bigger difference between the GT-R and Z then their is between the Vette and Camaro... Same thing with price. Personally I don't think a Corvette is a "supercar"... it doesn't have the presence or does it look good (in my opinion)... but if were basing it off performance then the GT-R is just as much of a supercar.

Link me to where is says the 2008 Z and the 2008 GT-R (Remember this one is NOT called the Skyline... now quit it) The Skyline sedan is just a G35... The Maxima is a family sedan that competes with the Accord, Camry, Malibu etc.. And I have no idea what the hell the Nissan Dualis is as we don't get it here in America... unless it's a rebaged "Rogue" then the difference is huge between that and the Murano... The Rogue is a small nimble crossover that is supposed to be a very practicle where as the Murano is a much larger premium luxury SUV more like that competes with the X5 and such.

We don't get the X-Trail here nor the Patrol Wagon... But Pathfinder is a small off-roader that I guess competes with the Wrangler and such.

The cars are split one is usually a cheaper less powerful and one is usually a bit more luxury and comes with some more gadgets... Same way GM does it but Nissan changes more then just the grill.

Mate, I provided you a picture of the Skyline. Let me make it clear, the Skyline Coupe and Nissan GT-R are different cars. Type Skyline Coupe in Google and see what you get if you don't believe me. The difference between the GT-R and Z is about the same as the difference between Camaro and Z06 (which looks great IMO, and definitely has a presence down here). As for all the over-sized SUV body style Nissans, I never figured out why you'd buy a Cross-over/soft roader when you could have a wagon which is just as practical and more economic.

 

[slidesquad#1]

Do they actually sell the G35/37/whatever they call it now in Japan? Because if they don't, and, judging by what Prosthetic says, there's no Skyline coupe in the US, doesn't it become largely irrelevant? If buyers can't cross shop, how does it matter?

 

[Jay]

Do they actually sell the G35/37/whatever they call it now in Japan?

Yes they sell the G35/37 coupe and sedan in Japan as Nissan Skyline (V36).

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

Yes they sell the G35/37 coupe and sedan in Japan as Nissan Skyline (V36).

Exactly what I've been saying, but I don't know why no one listens. And my beef was that the Nissan Z and Nissan Skyline Coupe have the same chassis, will be the same engine, and are both 2 door sports coupes, making one of them rather pointless.

 

[Jay]

making one of them rather pointless.

One has rear seats if the Zed (not Zee americans! ) is too inconvenient, plus more of a luxurious GT feel (which is still great in the bends), and if Nissan gets adequate sales of both then what does it really matter.

Personally I would take the 370GT Coupe over the Z.

 

[nd 4 holden spd]

One has rear seats if the Zed (not Zee americans! ) is too inconvenient, plus more of a luxurious GT feel (which is still great in the bends), and if Nissan gets adequate sales of both then what does it really matter.

Personally I would take the 370GT Coupe over the Z.

I'd take the 370GT too, and I didn't know there was a seat count difference.

 

[Jay]

Yeah Skylines have always been 4+ seaters.

 

[Car-less]

Since the Mazda 2 is already nominated (I second BTW) Suzuki Swift Sport.

Because my Nissan/Infiniti products were already nominated I vote for something I could actually afford...

The BRILLIANT Swift Sport.

Thanks for nominating (and seconding) the first car that came to my mind, as that frees up my vote allowing me to second something I hadn't even considered...

Lexus IS-F

The best thing about this car is that it's a car we could all live with, it has a boot, 4 doors and back seats which mean you don't have to saw legs off. The V8 in the front is stonker of a engine.

 

[Tornado]

Ah insults, isn't it great one has to belittle themselves to do that in a thread about cars? It was a joke, get over it.

It was an observation, not an insult (this is the internet. Being called a smartass should be like the internet equivalent to breathing). The fact that you mention is as being a joke makes me think the comment was somewhat justified regardless of the fact that we have been fighting over this.



Enough of this tyranny from other threads:
I'm personally somewhat surprised that the Evo X isn't nominated but the (in the grand scheme of things) "meh" Lancer/Galant Fortis has been. I do agree that the STi is just as good as the Evo X, so at least that is good.

 

[forza2.0]

It was an observation, not an insult (this is the internet. Being called a smartass should be like the internet equivalent to breathing). The fact that you mention is as being a joke makes me think the comment was somewhat justified regardless of the fact that we have been fighting over this.



Enough of this tyranny from other threads:
I'm personally somewhat surprised that the Evo X isn't nominated but the (in the grand scheme of things) "meh" Lancer/Galant Fortis has been. I do agree that the STi is just as good as the Evo X, so at least that is good.

I nominated the evo x and I cant comment on whether the STI is as good as the Evo X as I have driven neither but I wont be sad if I owned one or the other. However from the reviews I have read I got the impression the Evo was the better car. I think the STI needs more power to be honest.

 

[Tornado]

Ah. Didn't see it. Nevermind.

 

[Prosthetic]

Mate, I provided you a picture of the Skyline. Let me make it clear, the Skyline Coupe and Nissan GT-R are different cars. Type Skyline Coupe in Google and see what you get if you don't believe me. The difference between the GT-R and Z is about the same as the difference between Camaro and Z06 (which looks great IMO, and definitely has a presence down here). As for all the over-sized SUV body style Nissans, I never figured out why you'd buy a Cross-over/soft roader when you could have a wagon which is just as practical and more economic.

I'm going to try this Aussie talk for a size...

Ok here mate listen up hear... I know what a Skyline Sedan is... Maybe if you re-read my post you will see that I said that the Skyline Sedan is a less lux version of the G35... I do take it that Nissan does have to many sedans... Maxima, Altima, and the Skyline... At first when you were talking about Skyline I was really thrown off because I thought you were talking about the GT-R.

The Camaro is more expensive and faster then a Z and a GT-R is more expensive and slightly faster then the Z06. How is that about the same?

And I don't see you moaning about GM's armada of SUV's... Hummer H2 which is the same thing as a Tahoe, Yukon and Escalade. Then theres those Buick crossovers... The reason they made them and Nissan made them and every other damn manufacturer because they sell ridiculously well.


Now please lets get back to teh japaneze....

 

[Tornado]

The Camaro is more expensive and faster then a Z and a GT-R is more expensive and slightly faster then the Z06. How is that about the same?

I think he meant how each sits in the range. One is the sports car, one is the flagship.

 

[Prosthetic]

I think he meant how each sits in the range. One is the sports car, one is the flagship.

Ah ok then yes I agree.

 

[Jim Prower]

Dude, seriously. I've heard the new Evo's also a spaceship. Btw, I take it you've driven both since you feel that comparison doesn't feel right
As to what I would choose regardless of cost, I'd probably take the most expensive one, drive it for a bit, then sell it and buy something less expensive. And as you and I both know, it's a really hypothetical as that won't happen.

Out of interest, what's the fastest/most fun car you've ever driven?

And on topic, Google the Mazda 2. I think it lost a 100 kgs over the previous model. And it looks so damn sexy.

How can a $30,000, (or so) 360hp Rally-inspired car fitted with extra turbo boost at the port of entry compare with a $70,000, 480HP Supercar that beats Porsche Turbos just about anywhere? By most numbers, it loses.

Lemme guess: you've driven a Lancer Evo FQ360 and Nissan GT-R back-to-back, too? Let's face it: you're just defending the Evo because you like it and you don't like the GT-R.

Unless you're an automotive journalist, you'll probably never drive both cars. Neither will I. By claiming that I have to had drive both cars to have any sort of an opinion, You yourself are being a hypocrite.

 

[Tornado]

Dude, seriously. I've heard the new Evo's also a spaceship.

Actually, when you look at the technology in the JDM Evo IX and the Evo X, you'll note that they are in essence exactly the same. The only difference between the two is that one had separate systems controlling the VCD, AYC, stability control and brakes. In the Evo X they combined all of the bits and pieces into one unit and gave it a snazzy new title.