Originally Posted by Rockhound

I would hesitate to classify it as strictly “old technology” – as that carries an unnecessarily negative connotation. I mean, there’s plenty of truly old technology out there that still can achieve impressive performance (think pushrod V8s and live rear axles).

That’s not to say that Nissan couldn’t incorporate some technologies such as direct injection for potential gains, but the Z’s performance is mostly a matter of its power/weight ratio. Same with the examples you mentioned. The new Accord Coupe was tested by Motor Trend to get to 60 MPH in 5.6 seconds, with a 14 sec 1/4mi @ 101.4 MPH.

C & D’s first 370Z instrumented test resulted in a 4.9 second 0-60 and 13.5 sec 1/4mi @ 106 MPH. Weight between the two is very close (as tested in those two tests the Accord Coupe was 3367lb and the Z was 3373lb). Roadholding was of course much better for the Z at 0.97g versus only 0.83g for the purposely softer Accord.

I guess what I’m getting at is that shaving considerable time off of your acceleration figures once you’re in the sub-5 second range is a matter of diminishing returns. Look at the Nismo, for instance, with an additional 18hp and 6lb-ft and yet I think the normal 7AT Z still turns in the best 0-60 times.

The bottom line is that performance cars have less room to improve than normal sedans and crossovers, so this isn’t just a conversation for the Z. Heck, base Corvettes (430hp 6.2L V8) achieve a 4.5sec 0-60 - just 1.1 second faster than an Accord Coupe.