Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post

DYNAZOR · 02-11-2012, 02:52 AM

Thanks Sparky. I've only had the car a few days now, but it didn't take long to figure out that it is light years ahead of the Mustang. Keep in mind though that the Mustang was NOT a GT, and so it cost a LOT LESS dough. Nevertheless, the Mustang DOES have a 4.0L V-6, but only 210 HP (I forget the torque figure), and its MPG is comparable to the Z, so I would have hoped for more out of the Ford. The Mustang was fun to drive, I thought. Taking a test ride in the Z changed all that.

So here are my observations of the Z vs. the Mustang:
Power: Absolutely the Z, the Mustang doesn't come close; if it did I might not have gotten rid of it. The new Mustang V-6 apparently has 300+ HP, less CID, and better MPG than the Z, so the new Stang would be a fairer comparison, as would the GT.

Handling (including braking): again, the Z wins by a large margin. Tight, responsive steering, good lateral stability in tight, fast turns, unbelievably efficient braking (sport package). The Mustang wasn't BAD per se, but its braking left something to be desired. Z handling is still much better though.

The Z has a 19 gallon fuel tank, the Mustang had a 13.something gallon tank, so with comparable MPG the Z will get you about 100-150 more miles per tank full, pretty good range, Id say.

One thing that I'm a little troubled by in the Z is the exterior visability from the driver's seat in the right rear quadrant. The right rear window is tiny (looks good though) and you don't even catch much of it when you turn your head to clear the right rear area. This requires more attention on your part to avoid mishaps. It can be done, but it's not going to be done by itself, you have to use your mirrors more effectively and more often.

Road noise: each one comparable to the other, neither of which I consider to be satisfactory. Maybe that's deliberate so that you don't forget you're driving a car that you are likely to be driving FAST.

Style: no need to address this issue except to say WOW!!!! when you are talking about the Z.

Audio: The Mustang had the Pony package which includes the 500w Shaker Stereo system. This is a killer system. The Z only has the basic system, not too bad, but the Shaker leaves it cold. I have to check into what my options are for improving the audio. This forum should provide me with plenty of options.

The Mustang is a very nice throwback design (stylewise), but the Z is, in my opinion, the future.

I hope the paint on the Z is more durable then the paint on the Mustang. The Mustang was VERY susceptable to small chips, and the bumper and hood and fronts of the front fenders were full of them. To make matters worse, the Mustang was Black, and the prime coat appeared to be white or a very light color, which of course made the chips all stand out that much more easily. Annoyed the hell out of me.

Synopsis: the Z is similar to a women to me: as long as it stays tight, responsive, reliable, and doesn't give me a lot of grief I'll keep it around for a while.

02-11-2012, 02:52 AM	#12 (permalink)
DYNAZOR Base Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: North Carolina Posts: 152 Drives: '15 370Z Solid Red Rep Power: 13	Thanks Sparky. I've only had the car a few days now, but it didn't take long to figure out that it is light years ahead of the Mustang. Keep in mind though that the Mustang was NOT a GT, and so it cost a LOT LESS dough. Nevertheless, the Mustang DOES have a 4.0L V-6, but only 210 HP (I forget the torque figure), and its MPG is comparable to the Z, so I would have hoped for more out of the Ford. The Mustang was fun to drive, I thought. Taking a test ride in the Z changed all that. So here are my observations of the Z vs. the Mustang: Power: Absolutely the Z, the Mustang doesn't come close; if it did I might not have gotten rid of it. The new Mustang V-6 apparently has 300+ HP, less CID, and better MPG than the Z, so the new Stang would be a fairer comparison, as would the GT. Handling (including braking): again, the Z wins by a large margin. Tight, responsive steering, good lateral stability in tight, fast turns, unbelievably efficient braking (sport package). The Mustang wasn't BAD per se, but its braking left something to be desired. Z handling is still much better though. The Z has a 19 gallon fuel tank, the Mustang had a 13.something gallon tank, so with comparable MPG the Z will get you about 100-150 more miles per tank full, pretty good range, Id say. One thing that I'm a little troubled by in the Z is the exterior visability from the driver's seat in the right rear quadrant. The right rear window is tiny (looks good though) and you don't even catch much of it when you turn your head to clear the right rear area. This requires more attention on your part to avoid mishaps. It can be done, but it's not going to be done by itself, you have to use your mirrors more effectively and more often. Road noise: each one comparable to the other, neither of which I consider to be satisfactory. Maybe that's deliberate so that you don't forget you're driving a car that you are likely to be driving FAST. Style: no need to address this issue except to say WOW!!!! when you are talking about the Z. Audio: The Mustang had the Pony package which includes the 500w Shaker Stereo system. This is a killer system. The Z only has the basic system, not too bad, but the Shaker leaves it cold. I have to check into what my options are for improving the audio. This forum should provide me with plenty of options. The Mustang is a very nice throwback design (stylewise), but the Z is, in my opinion, the future. I hope the paint on the Z is more durable then the paint on the Mustang. The Mustang was VERY susceptable to small chips, and the bumper and hood and fronts of the front fenders were full of them. To make matters worse, the Mustang was Black, and the prime coat appeared to be white or a very light color, which of course made the chips all stand out that much more easily. Annoyed the hell out of me. Synopsis: the Z is similar to a women to me: as long as it stays tight, responsive, reliable, and doesn't give me a lot of grief I'll keep it around for a while. Last edited by DYNAZOR; 02-11-2012 at 03:17 AM.