What's so lackluster about the 370Z?

[TetsuoShima]

I remember a few years ago there was a lot of hype surrounding the 370Z but then after release it just kind of fizzled away and until now there has barely been any talk or people suggesting it in "what sports car should I buy threads"..so what's the deal with it?

[sandiegan]

[genjy]

IMO, the 370Z doesn't seem like it excels in anything.

[rynodyno312]

Whats the deal with the pig? It's lighter than the 350z it replaced and only weighs like 3200-3300lbs.

I think it's a pretty good deal for the money, in terms of performance. They are faster than the specs would let on.

[6cylVWguy]

Conceptually I think they are fantastic cars. But in reality, they are outrageously expensive for what you get---and the '13s even moreso. I tried to consider one before I bought the mustang, but I couldn't get anyone to sell me one that was anywhere close to the mustang. And most dealers, at least around me, thought the car was something rare and special, telling me they didn't didn't get many in and just didn't deal on Zs.

I'll be very interested to see what nissan does with the next generation Z. Will they try to make it more like a mustang with big power or will they continue to downsize the car, but also downsize the motor and hp?

[jrmcm]

IMO, the 370Z doesn't seem like it excels in anything.

It's a fashion accessory masquerading as a sports car, only it's not really all that good looking, either.

[Tuneman7]

Performance wise, it was a well balanced package when it first came out but has long since been surpassed in that segment without any major upgrades. I would probably think that's the large reason why interest has died down a bit.

Personally, I never really liked how it looks on the exterior though the interior I think is an upgrade compared to the 350Z.

[TangoRed]

It's a fashion accessory masquerading as a sports car, only it's not really all that good looking, either.

No...not really. The car has some serious power and has good dynamics. See the below post for a more knowledgeable reason.

Performance wise, it was a well balanced package when it first came out but has long since been surpassed in that segment without any major upgrades. I would probably think that's the large reason why interest has died down a bit.

Personally, I never really liked how it looks on the exterior though the interior I think is an upgrade compared to the 350Z.

This is absolutely right. Competition got very hot and Nissan decided to allocate its resources elsewhere. With such good competition (even from Hyundai) the 370Z's atrocious road noise and coarse engine did not compel consumers to choose Nissan.

[Mike!]

In a 2013 model context, it's V6 Mustang / Gen Coupe / etc. power and performance in a trimmer package for more money. That money could buy you, say, a Mustang GT.

Where the Z compares favorably to is the SLK, Z4, and Boxster/Cayman. It's cheaper than them with similar dimensions and better performance per dollar. People have their own reasons for buying the Germans though.

[BluMagic]

should be a 2+2 IMO

[mAdD INDIAN]

Interested in buying a mint condition 2007 350Z? I'm looking to sell mine and I'm near you.

[jrmcm]

No...not really. The car has some serious power and has good dynamics. See the below post for a more knowledgeable reason.



This is absolutely right. Competition got very hot and Nissan decided to allocate its resources elsewhere. With such good competition (even from Hyundai) the 370Z's atrocious road noise and coarse engine did not compel consumers to choose Nissan.

So it's trying to be a sports car, only it does not effectively compete with everything else in it's segment from a sports car point of view, especially factoring price... and my point is wrong, how, exactly?

[MYVOLKIES]

In the beginning of September I drove a '12 Roadster from Los Angeles to Jersey. I was thoroughly impressed with the car. I put 4k miles on it in 5 days and enjoyed every one of them. It was fast (but a bit coarse) handled well, got a lot of looks and was ergonomically designed. It definitely put the car on my map. I would buy one in a heartbeat if I didn't have the Corrado and had the need for an otherwise useless car (besides the fun factor). I haven't driven much of the competetion, but from my experience with the car, I would definitely recommend one.

[TangoRed]

So it's trying to be a sports car, only it does not effectively compete with everything else in it's segment from a sports car point of view, especially factoring price... and my point is wrong, how, exactly?

Saying it's masquerading as a sports car is too much. It was still competitive in 2010; then the Camaro and Mustang got a ton of additional updates. And just because it is [now] not the class leader it was at debut time doesn't mean its not a sports car. It may not be the best sports car, but let's not act like its a first-gen Mercedes-Benz SLK.

[6cylVWguy]

So it's trying to be a sports car, only it does not effectively compete with everything else in it's segment from a sports car point of view, especially factoring price... and my point is wrong, how, exactly?

It effectively competes with pretty much all other options in its class in all performance categories. Price is the only problem with this vehicle-if it was ~$4k cheaper, I wouldn't consider a Genesis or Mustang V6.

[1985Jetta]

Ever since I first saw it I was "meh" on it.

[6cylVWguy]

Saying it's masquerading as a sports car is too much. It was still competitive in 2010; then the Camaro and Mustang got a ton of additional updates.

Yet, neither the V6 mustang or camaro are really any better than the Z. They offer similar performance---for less money. Just because the Z doesn't wipe the floor with the V6 pony cars (except for the challenger) or even the Genesis, doesn't mean it's not competitive or that it's somehow masquerading as anything other than the 2 seat GT that it is.

[TetsuoShima]

I wonder when the next Z will come, 370z is already 5 years old. I'm hoping they go with the downsizing route and focus on decreasing weight and increasing handling capabilities.

[seroki]

It effectively competes with pretty much all other options in its class in all performance categories. Price is the only problem with this vehicle-if it was ~$4k cheaper, I wouldn't consider a Genesis or Mustang V6.

I think this pretty much sums it up... I mean if I'm going to spend 35k base on one of these (45k loaded) then I'm going to splurge and go with a Used 09 Cayman, 600 pounds lighter with roughly the same power that has midengine dynamics... Now if the price were say 28-30k base then it would be a contender.

[1990MoneyPit]

It's a great car that gets forgotten when everyone is talking about the new pony cars. But it deserves more attention IMO.

0-60 in 4.6-4.8 seconds.
Quarter-mile in 13.1-13.3 @ 107-108 mph.
Pulls 1G+
More powerful, smaller, and lighter than the 350Z.
Bulletproof engine
Brilliant SyncroRev transmission (that is defeatable if you chose to do so).

Car and Driver: At this price, possibly the best sports car on the planet.

On the highway and in traffic, the 370Z is one Z-licious companion. From rest, the car rolls away elegantly, asking for a mere handful of revs above idle. Clutch takeup is predictable, and the shifter’s throws are so short and smooth that your forearm barely moves. Power manifests as low as 1900 rpm and flows in one great, seamless rush to redline, with no discernible variable-valve step. Brake-pedal travel is minimal, taut, linear. And the structure feels as solid as a Porsche 911’s, issuing exactly zero rattles or squeaks. The steering is a little heavy but is always accurate, quick, yet never nervous. Aim for a pebble at an apex, and you can place the inside front tire atop it. Select a path through a sweeper, and no further corrections are required. Over scabrous pavement, the 370Z tracks better than its predecessor, and it has a locomotive’s sense of straight-ahead. Brain-damaged text messagers will be in heaven— that’s how long you can take your hands off the wheel.

In the hills, the 370Z is simply BMW-ish in the manner its engine and transmission talk to each other. Jump in or out of the throttle, and there’s no jolt, no windup, no neck snap. Revs build and dissipate rapidly but without notice. The car eagerly establishes a soothing driving rhythm, such that glancing at the speedometer always produces a shock. When did we get going this fast? That’s a surefire sign of sedulous engineering.

The best sports car on the planet for the money? Damn right.

[sullie]

It's a very good, real, sports car, period. 0-60 5.3, pulls about 1 g, what am I missing? I chose a C6 over the Z34 myself but it was definitely a contender. Nice comparison here to a Cayman S from when they first came out.

One of the main reasons I didn't like the car was coarseness of the engine. I found it offensive to my ears at high rpm. Also, I wanted either glass over my head (sunroof) or a targa, I wasn't interested in the G37 and the then new Mustang GT (I felt) was more fun. . . and then I found a C6 w/Z51 package and that was that for me.

On the plus side, I wish every manufacturer made the synchro-rev matching, I absolutely love that feature about the Z, kudos to Nissan for that! Ergonomically, I felt it was very nice inside the car, nice ride, terrific handling and I really like the design of the car quite a bit. Back when I was looking at them, I really liked the rays forged rims that came with the sports (I think it was) package.

Overall though, I felt the 370Z was an outstanding car though!

[slghtlybttr]

I actually think it was an OK car on paper - even for the price. My perspective is a little more intangible - it's just not that much fun to drive for some reason. You kind of sit funny in it too (at least I did)

[ElixXxeR]

I really, really like the 370Z. It is an absolute blast to drive and has more immediate responses than any of the existing pony cars. The transmission could be better and the engine doesn't sound very good, but I think the chassis is fantastic. If the next iteration has a smaller, smoother engine and loses a couple of hundred pounds, it would be a knockout.

[MightyDSM]

I'd love to have a black 370z. And I don't care if Mustang V6 is better.

[Ross1013]

As someone said, it's a great budget alternative to SLK/Z4/Cayman/Boxster.

[nm+]

If you track it, they don't seem to really have enough cooling (And I am not referring to the brake fiasco, which could be fixed with track pads).

[Pf3il]

very competitive in C-Stock autocross, just check last week's results: http://autox4u.com/results/2012/nnjr_20121006_fin.htm

may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but it gets the job done pretty damn well.

[1990MoneyPit]

If you track it, they don't seem to really have enough cooling (And I am not referring to the brake fiasco, which could be fixed with track pads).

IIRC, 2012+ have an oil cooler.

[nm+]

IIRC, 2012+ have an oil cooler.

Freaking finally, is it big enough?

I like to think the real failure is that a person 6'4" can't fit in it with a helmet, but if that was the case, the cayman would be a flop too.

[Fritz27]

Nissan said, "Welp, we really kicked the crap out of the 2010 Mustang GT, I guess we can rest on our laurels now."

That was a mistake.

[10minutes]

It's a nice sports car. I was seriously thinking about buying one but it was just too impractical as a daily driver. I couldn't imagine driving one in everyday DC commute. Two seats don't help neither. Clutch and engine noise were not great. But as a weekend or track ride, I think it's great. It has plenty of power and handles great. I'm sure next Z will be even better.

[MFactor]

This car would be on my radar if it were a four seater.

[nm+]

This car would be on my radar if it were a four seater.

I still don't understand this.
THIS:

Does not make a car any more practical.

And that's all you'd get in the 370z without making it look like a 280z 2+2 (eww).

I'd actually consider it a downside as in many carpool lanes, they require 3 persons unless your car has 2 seats only.

[Mike!]

This car would be on my radar if it were a four seater.

G37c?

[Tuneman7]

But as a weekend or track ride, I think it's great.

Oh, one other thing about that. I was looking at these and I read a major complaint was that it doesn't come with an oil cooler for track duty, not even on the NISMO model.

I'm unsure if they addressed that with the recent refresh.