MkV GTI to 370Z

UC Bearcats · 05-18-2009, 06:27 AM

Hello all. I currently drive a 2007 GTI Fahrenheit. For those not familiar with the MkV GTI, it's a 2.0 liter turbo with direct injection. Fahrenheits all come with the DSG gearbox. My first car when I was 16 was an 87 300zx, and I've continued to be a fan of the Z cars ever since. When the 370z first came out, I really loved the body shape. It reminds me a lot of the 240 and 260 z's. My GTI is "stage 2", which means exhaust, intake, fmic, software, various other turbo stuff is upgraded. I've never dynoed, but it's a pretty common setup, and many put down between 240-255whp and 295-310wtq. This means 1st and 2nd gears are nearly worthless.

Just yesterday a 370z was next to me at the light. I was turning, and the Z was going straight. His light turned green first and the exhaust note sounded amazing! After conferring with my fiance, who didnt mind me picking up a new car so long as the payments were close to my gti payments, I began scouring this site. Though I will miss the utilitarian nature of the gti, and the boost, these are probably the last few years I can get away with having a 2 seater as my dd. Which brings me to my first question. Is the 370Z a good dd? I live in Cincinnati, OH, so it will see snow. We don't get massive amounts, but there's always a good snow storm each year. It's doesn't need to be a Jeep in the snow, but I'd like to not kill myself in it (I thought my 300zx did well in the snow, all things considered). Second, I will likely go with the 7 speed auto. My fiance can't drive a stick, so I'd like a car she can drive too. I know the 7at has a torque converter and isn't quite as "advanced" as the DSG gearbox in my GTI, but is it still a pretty solid/fun tranny? I've also read that the auto is quicker and traps higher, but that seems to be a source of debate around here....

I'll start harassing my nissan dealer this week. I just bought a Rogue for my fiance a month ago, so hopefully I can get a decent deal on a base 7at. Anyone leasing? How well do these lease? My GTI stickered at $29K, I did a 36 month lease with $1k out of pocket, $389/month, 12,000miles a year. Think I can get around $425/month with about the same out of pocket on a Z that stickers $32K? I'll be trading in my gti with 13 payments left, totaling about $20K with residual value added in. Car blue books at $19.5 (and I'll have to turn it back to stock). We'll see how it goes. Thanks in advance for any info!

05-18-2009, 06:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
UC Bearcats Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2 Drives: 2007 GTI Fahrenheit Rep Power: 16	MkV GTI to 370Z Hello all. I currently drive a 2007 GTI Fahrenheit. For those not familiar with the MkV GTI, it's a 2.0 liter turbo with direct injection. Fahrenheits all come with the DSG gearbox. My first car when I was 16 was an 87 300zx, and I've continued to be a fan of the Z cars ever since. When the 370z first came out, I really loved the body shape. It reminds me a lot of the 240 and 260 z's. My GTI is "stage 2", which means exhaust, intake, fmic, software, various other turbo stuff is upgraded. I've never dynoed, but it's a pretty common setup, and many put down between 240-255whp and 295-310wtq. This means 1st and 2nd gears are nearly worthless. Just yesterday a 370z was next to me at the light. I was turning, and the Z was going straight. His light turned green first and the exhaust note sounded amazing! After conferring with my fiance, who didnt mind me picking up a new car so long as the payments were close to my gti payments, I began scouring this site. Though I will miss the utilitarian nature of the gti, and the boost, these are probably the last few years I can get away with having a 2 seater as my dd. Which brings me to my first question. Is the 370Z a good dd? I live in Cincinnati, OH, so it will see snow. We don't get massive amounts, but there's always a good snow storm each year. It's doesn't need to be a Jeep in the snow, but I'd like to not kill myself in it (I thought my 300zx did well in the snow, all things considered). Second, I will likely go with the 7 speed auto. My fiance can't drive a stick, so I'd like a car she can drive too. I know the 7at has a torque converter and isn't quite as "advanced" as the DSG gearbox in my GTI, but is it still a pretty solid/fun tranny? I've also read that the auto is quicker and traps higher, but that seems to be a source of debate around here.... I'll start harassing my nissan dealer this week. I just bought a Rogue for my fiance a month ago, so hopefully I can get a decent deal on a base 7at. Anyone leasing? How well do these lease? My GTI stickered at $29K, I did a 36 month lease with $1k out of pocket, $389/month, 12,000miles a year. Think I can get around $425/month with about the same out of pocket on a Z that stickers $32K? I'll be trading in my gti with 13 payments left, totaling about $20K with residual value added in. Car blue books at $19.5 (and I'll have to turn it back to stock). We'll see how it goes. Thanks in advance for any info!