Honda enthusiast...new to Nissan

coltrain

I've been a Honda enthusiast for a long time now. I've been obsessed with the NSX for as long as I can remember. It's my dream car. Now...I've only sat and rode in the NSX once or twice. It was definitely a tight fit, mainly headroom and seat fitment.

I'm 6'5". I feel like if I do purchase the NSX, it'll be like buying new shoes...one size too small. Wear them for a week straight until you realize how uncomfortable they are day to day.

I've finally come to terms with the fact that I might not purchase an NSX in the future. Despite all the NSX members that tell me, "If it's your dream car, you will make it work!". Regardless, it's hard to justify spending $40,000 on a car that takes you $2,000 to modify for daily driving.

So...now I'm looking on towards the next car that can claim my obsession. I have been interested in the 350Z since it's first debut at the Detroit Auto Show. I remember getting "The Run" promotional DVD and watching it over and over

Since I've always been a Honda enthusiast, I don't know as much about Nissan or Nissan's performance potential. How does the 350/370Z compare to cars like the NSX? Of course, I would expect anyone to be bias towards the car they drive

I'm interested in test driving and researching more about the NISMO 350Z and NISMO 370Z. Do you Z owners think the NISMO edition Z's are worth the money? Or are they just over priced Z's with body kit's? (Reference to Mugen edition Civic Si)

Also, what factors made you choose the Z over competitors?...brand loyalty?...performance?...exclusivity?

All opinions and suggestions are welcome!

C.

tjlazer

I am 6'5" and the 370Z fits me great! I say go for it! Better than the 350Z any day of the week. And 2009's are getting lower priced every day now. Just get the Sports Package whatever you do.

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2009 370Z Monterey Blue,Nismo Conversion,RE-11's, K&N Typhoon intakes,Blue Kickplates,Homelink,FI 18" CBE,ERZ HFCs,Hotchkis sways, Swift Spec-R, EVO-R Highwing, UPREV

Rui Z

Wilsonp on our forum just made a switch from the NSX to the 370Z. You should go massage his brain for some good insight.

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TROOPER

HaHa, I've heard the bodykit comment before...

But there is more than just that LOL, stiffer suspension, stiffer sway bars, wider wheels and tires, more power (350hp), excessive Nismo badging LOL, red stitched interior and seats.

OK, now you don't get leather, or GPS Nav, but then this is a race car LOL.

And as for spending $2000 on a $40,000 car... if you get the mod bug, you'll be doing that regardless what car you buy
By the time you've wanted to throw on cold air intakes, a bad a$$ exhaust, and rims that suit your style, you'll certainly be hurting in the pockets, but don't blame the 370Z or us for that

I love my Nismo, and I'm glad I picked it.

Here's my baby

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Darren
"Guv Motors Passion Wagon"

shadoquad

Darren's car is rad.

As for the height issue, different tall folks have each told me different experiences fitting in a Z. I know it's not helpful to say, but you should probably sit in one and see if it's liveable. Keep in mind that the steering column does not telescope. Also, I've heard some folks say they bang their knees, others say it doesn't bother them.

As it compares to an NSX, I have no idea, but I'd assume that the NSX is a bit more cramped, but probably much easier to throw through the twisty turns. It's lighter and mid-engined.

As for the Nismo trim level, the word on the street is that you can achieve practically the same performance by buying a sport package Z and modding it, but the Nismo is just mean and brash and awesome. If you want amenities like leather, a drop top, NAV, you might as well not get the nismo.

Dan Z Man

those wheels are gorgeous^

wilsonp

I'm only 5'10" so my comparison point isn't great. I do think the NSX had the best driving position I've been in, but I have only driven a couple of hours in the 370Z. The Z seats are more secure, but a little too grippy for me and the bolsters a little hard.

The Z is as fast or faster than an NSX in a straight line, but visibility is poorer. Handling on an NSX is like driving a go cart, but it is very low (mine was slightly lowered) so the Z is a little easier to get in/out of. I'd say there is a little more roof clearance in the Z but I didn't pay particular attention to that.

Mainly the NSX is a 19 year old design, which means it lacks a lot taken for granted today, such as CD player/iPod integration, keyless entry/start, navigation, auto locks, etc.

However, it is still an exotic, hand built car.

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2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

Jeffblue

a big factor, is honda and toyota stopped making cars any of us would have considered. I'd have thought about an NSX or a Supra, but they jumped ship on sports cars.

ClemsonWill

There are a number of Honda/Acura guys who jumped ship including myself. Many of the reasons listed above. But I have to agree with most. I think you will be very happy with the 370z over the NSX. I came from an S2000 and I have not regretted my decision at all. The car has tons of power, rides well, and has a great community to back it up.

Either way good luck with your search.

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TypeOne

I'm in the same situation as the OP. I've owned Honda's all my life, the only Nissan I've owned was a S13 coupe back 5 or so years ago. I sold my STi last year and since then I've had my sights on the NSX or 370Z.

The NSX is getting older and it's hard to find one (in the same price range as the Z) and have the value be even slightly worth the price you have to pay.

1991-1995 NSX's are going to be in the $22-35k range and then the NA2s are just in another league price wise $40k +. I think for the same price (on average $29k for a Base/Sport) the Z offers a greater value for your money. When compared to a used 15+ year exotic car... I can't justify it.

I would love to own an NSX, however at this point, I'm not going to be able to shell out $50k for the one I'd want to own.. instead I'll go with the car that makes much more sense and will probably make me just as happy. The 370Z.

jaedub

nismo 370z and the regular 370z isnt much different at all. nismo,however, is alot sniffer due to the s-tune coilovers. Other than that I think their pretty much the same. (other than the looks ofcourse)

ClemsonWill

I black NSX rolled up next to me yesterday. It was very nicely modded with RPF1s, Bride seats, comptech exhaust, etc. It's such a nice car just an old design. Honda needs to keep going with the new NSX V10.

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wilsonp

I would have been happy if they had replaced the cassette deck with a CD Player!
(Well, and maybe push button start and a double clutch automated manual )

*sigh*

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2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black
Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon
Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black

daniel9ds

I am a newbie here and just wanna say Hi to everyone. I am Daniel from Pennsylvania, US.


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Red__Zed

NSX's are great-- but they are an older car. I wouldn't consider one today, even though they are a classic.

You'll find plenty of Honda enthusiasts driving 370z's. Honda cutting off sports car production has forced many of us to move to Nissan's.