Had my first 370Z test drive on Saturday only because my sales manager threw me the keys and said to get out of the showroom. Because I previously owned an 06 G35 Coupe 6MT and had read all the positive reviews from the major magazines, I wasn't that concerned about driving the Z prior to ordering one. Here are my observations on the driving aspects of the 370Z keeping in mind that my last car was an 07 Cayman S.
The transmission was pretty good overall. Only negative comment would be 1st and 2nd gear above 6500 rpm I felt I was putting excess strain on the engine, but with NO lack of actual power. Car pulled hard up to around 7200 and I think the extra noise gives the impression that you are ready to break something. Third gear above 6500 was perfect. Final opinion, tranny was better than the G35 but not as smooth as the CS.
Road noise humors me. As others have mentioned, you are driving a sports car not a sedate interstate cruiser. Tested car was a Touring without the Sport and I found it to be very civil on Maine's pot holed back roads and a dream on the highway. The Cayman S was the loudest car I ever owned due to the engine being in the cabin with you and the 19's I had on it picked up any and all road noise. Listening to the stereo in the Cayman was a total waste of time! My Z will have the Sport Package which will increase my noise level experience and I can't wait. Overall the 370Z was a blast to drive and if those are the only complaints we are getting, we'll be just fine.
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Life is a highway!
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