GTA Onlineand previous games in theGrand Theft Autofranchise are known for having beautiful cars, with designs loosely based on popular vehicles. One of the most popular cars in this game is the ZR350, which has a sporty design and a fast top speed. This vehicle, which is inspired by a Japanese sports car, was first seen inGTA San Andreas. While it may seem that not much has changed regarding its design, the ZR350s ofGTA OnlineandSan Andreasare quite different under the hood.
The ZR350 is a recent addition toGTA Online, as it came as an update from theLos Santos Tuners expansion. This DLC allowed players to purchase and customize vehicles based on popular Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars. The ZR350, in particular, is inspired by sports car models from Mazda and Nissan. Many cars in the expansion beat this vehicle out in terms of top speed and traction, but it remains popular amongGTA Onlineplayers because of its looks and legacy inSan Andreas.
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The Difference Between GTA Online and GTA San Andreas’ ZR350 Design
The ZR350 may seem like it didn’t go through any design changes fromSan AndreastoGTA Online,but there are a few details that set the two versions apart.San Andreas’ design is based on the Mazda RX-7 (1992–2002 model), a two-seater coupe with a compact Wankel engine. The RX-7 was popular because of its classic pop-up headlights and slick design.
This model was relatively affordable and had great fuel economy, making it the go-to choice for car enthusiasts on a tight budget. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see an early-model RX-7 at one’s nearest JDM car meet. Therefore, it only made sense to add it to the bustling urban streets ofSan Andreasand thesocial spaces of Los Santos Tunerscar meets.
The game version looks almost exactly like its real-life counterpart, but its taillights are based on Nissan sports cars like the Silvia S14 and 240SX. It spawns inGrand Theft Auto:San Andreasin different single colors, like dark gray, red, orange, and blue. Players may also come across ZR350s with or without spoilers.
TheGTA OnlineZR350 is known as the Annis ZR350, and it looks a lot like itsSan Andreascounterpart. Rather, it takes more design cues from other Mazda cars than Nissan ones. For example, its headlights and taillights resemble the more modern MX-5 and Miata models. The newer version’s paint is also customizable down to the trim.San Andreasplayers can’t upgrade their ZR350, so they have to wait for their preferred color to spawn in the game’s commercial districts.
The ZR350 in GTA Online and GTA San Andreas is More of a Looker than a Performer
There’s no denying that the ZR350 is fast, with a top speed of 117.50 mph (189.1 km/h), and it accelerates quickly, too. However, it’s not the top pick when it comes to street racing because of its poor traction and, consequently, bad braking. Players will often find themselves fighting to keep the ZR350 on the right track at high speeds, making crashes on sharp corners quite common. This is especially true for people who are new toGTA 5’s racing mode. The car is also quite delicate, as its headlights, taillights, and windows can shatter even during low-speed collisions.
The ZR350 oozes cool with its elongated design, pop-up headlights, and lowered body. It only makes sense for it to cross over fromGTA San Andreasto the more modernGTA Online, where players can customize it to their hearts' content. Fans love this vehicle despite its wonky handling because of nostalgia for both the older games and the classic car it’s designed after. If there’s any car that should return toGTA 6and other sequels, it’s the ZR350.
GTA Onlineis available now on PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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