[Mandi90TT]

So, one project I am considering, based on being a teenager in the 80's and lusting after one of these, is finding a 1984 300ZX Anniversary Edition in semi decent condition, and restoring and building it up over a few years.

So I started digging more into these (I have previously owned a Z31, and a 1990 twin turbo Z32), and found out the curb weight of the 1984 Anniversary Edition, which had all the options, and then some, including in seat speakers.

It was considered a porker, a real boulevard cruiser of an overweight car for the era.

3100 lbs curb weight

Heh

[FTS]

We do over-obsess about weight, don't we?
1988 E30 M3 with options weighed just over 3000 lbs
1998 E36 M3 with options weighed about 3200 lbs
1998 Porsche 993 911 C2S with options weighed 3100 lbs

I think what Porsche keeps doing better is even when the models get bigger and comply with the same safety regulations, their weight haven't increased that much. I guess that is one of the reason they keep charging a premium for their models.

[Aralan]

I agree, it's really impressive that Porsche has managed to maintain low weight. 991 911S is 3120 pounds. At least BMW is moving the number in the right direction with the F8x. Maybe this will be a new trend for them.

[FogCityM3]

One has to consider that today's cars are significantly safer than in the 80s and all that structural reinforcement, load carrying ability, airbags, protective seats, pedestrian protection all involve a lot of weight. Given these cars are driven on the road, with passengers in them for a good part of the time, I would take the heavier weight with better protection.

[perf0rmance]

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

So, one project I am considering, based on being a teenager in the 80's and lusting after one of these, is finding a 1984 300ZX Anniversary Edition in semi decent condition, and restoring and building it up over a few years.

So I started digging more into these (I have previously owned a Z31, and a 1990 twin turbo Z32), and found out the curb weight of the 1984 Anniversary Edition, which had all the options, and then some, including in seat speakers.

It was considered a porker, a real boulevard cruiser of an overweight car for the era.

3100 lbs curb weight

Heh

My 95 RX7 with an LS1 swap weighed 2904 on a full tank (minus 15 miles to drive to get weighed). Full spare, tools and extra heavy all-weather mats. Sunroof and fully functioning AC so it's about as heavy as it could get without suffering weight consequences from a cage and such.

That's a two-seater and definitely a lot less safety equipment. All it had was ABS and a pair of frontal airbags... Not even traction control!

[CanAutM3]

My 1991 VW GTI (which I ran time attack events with) weighed 1920lb with a full tank. The modified 2.1L 16V engine put down a healthy 188whp . That gave the same power to weight than my E92 M3 . Weight does matter.

[FTS]

Originally Posted by FogCityM3

One has to consider that today's cars are significantly safer than in the 80s and all that structural reinforcement, load carrying ability, airbags, protective seats, pedestrian protection all involve a lot of weight. Given these cars are driven on the road, with passengers in them for a good part of the time, I would take the heavier weight with better protection.

More weight does not mean more protection though. Porsches are considered to be one of the safest cars out there; I should know having crashed my 911 at 130 mph and not even a headache. But Porsche does use significantly more aluminum, not that much CFRP.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by FTS

More weight does not mean more protection though. Porsches are considered to be one of the safest cars out there; I should know having crashed my 911 at 130 mph and not even a headache. But Porsche does use significantly more aluminum, not that much CFRP.

A little unfair as rear and mid engine cars have a lot more room for frontal deformation. It still takes good engineering though to be safe, of course.

I'll take a smaller, lighter car and active safety over a larger, ponderous car and passive safety.

[secretsquirrel]

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight sports car. But it is very hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car.

[BMW269]

Originally Posted by secretsquirrel

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight sports car. But it is very hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car.

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car. But it is very hard to make a powerful lightweight inexpensive sports car.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by Levi

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car. But it is very hard to make a powerful lightweight inexpensive sports car.

Alfa did it, they just put in the wrong transmission.

[secretsquirrel]

Originally Posted by secretsquirrel

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight sports car. But it is very hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car.

touche

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by Levi

Its not particularly hard to make a lightweight inexpensive sports car. But it is very hard to make a powerful lightweight inexpensive sports car.

its harder to make a powerful SAFE LUXURIOUS lightweight inexpensive sports car, that is what everyone is lusting after these days.

for reference my e36 M3 with probably 100lbs or more of turbo equipment weighs 3190lbs with a 3/4 tank of fuel. 500-550whp and similar TQ with a 4,000rpm powerband.............FUN