I bought a ZD1011 last year. The salesman said the shaft drive is actually more efficient than belts. I thought it made sense and never really questioned it. Googling seems to indicate that it is. I did not object, as I was tired of dealing with belts for year on my old Husqvarna mower.
I looked up specs on the ZG327. Specs list the weight as 1565 lbs. That's heavy. My mower is 1386. My biggest issue has been the crazy amount of rains here and my soil does not drain well. So, it has been a challenge to cut when my yard is dry enough without creating ruts or getting stuck. I will probably have to continue cutting in the spring a time or two with my old Husqvarna riding mower as the ZD1011 is simply to heavy. That is something you might want to consider.
Is there any way you can test drive it there?