SManZ

I test drove a 370Z Nismo today and I think I had built up too high an expectation for this car. I currently drive an '04 350Z Performance. I had a great experience at the dealer. During my first outing I was with my g/f. We drove on 45mph parkways and was able to accelerate up to around 60mph (too much traffic for much else). I was impressed by the handling and stable feel compared to the 350 when we caught a green right turn arrow at an intersection. Overall though, the acceleration was not discernibly greater than in the 350, though there was more torque at lower rpms.

When I came back I told the salesman about my lukewarm feelings. He asked if my g/f would swap places with him so he could show me to the main roads. They were not done building all the interchanges where we went so we got to make a u-turn at a light and go all out. The acceleration past 60 is stronger in the 370 and the increased torque is apparent when the rears break loose after shifting. Also, acceleration after a 6-3 downshift at 60mph is noticeably quicker. I was more impressed after my second drive in the car.

Overall though I am on the fence. Here's what I like about the car;
-Much better styling, great looking wheels
-Stable and responsive handling
-Comfortable highway ride, stiff suspension only noticeable on bumps
-Rev Match is pretty neat, thought I don't need it
-Comfy cabin
-Keyless entry and start (this is totally new to me)
-Fuel/Temp gauge wasn't as bad as I thought
-Much better interior material quality
-Much less tire noise

Here's what I don't like
-No speedometer on the triple gauge cluster
-Clock is a complete waste of one of the triple gauges, especially since there's one on the damn radio.
-Throttle response is very lazy/sluggish (blipping throttle to downshift)
-The additional 50HP over the 350Z doesn't feel like as much as I thought it would
-Side view is more restricted
-Clutch is overall too soft and feels econocar-like. The pedal starts off somewhat hard and then it just slumps to the floor after 1" or so of travel.
-The exhaust and motor noise that I love in the 350 is completely muted in the 370. In normal driving it may as well be an Altima. At WOT its still just too quiet to really get a performance oriented experience. My 350 has the Nismo exhaust on it, as does the 370.

The dealer is willing to deal and I left with a quote for $38,000 + freight, processing, tags, tax. I think I can get him to $38,000 including freight + tax, tags, processing.

The big question is, is the 370 more/better than the 350, and if so is the difference worth $40,000? I want to want this car...I just don't have the same desire to get it like I did when I bought my 350.