Car and Driver Crashes a Nismo 370Z

pulpz

.... I think i might put this in my sig...

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TheWeatherman

Because the Z was budgeted for this. I have my 2009 FX35 and a future to think about. Think about what $2,000 buys you. I bought the Z as a toy car. I bought it new, with the sport package, thinking I could have some fun with it when I had some free time. An extra $37,000 for another car was enough. That's all we're trying to say. I don't need to push that to near $40,000 extra for a toy. I really don't need to GTFO.

Mike

back on topic, when the brakes go on the track, they go suddenly with very little warning.

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pulpz

....which is the real issue.

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Technik330

The Nismo should be sold as a "kit" car

SeeyaBud86

So I read the article and have read most of this thread. It seems like some are complaining about the Nismo 370. Reason I didn't get the Nismo was because I liked the styling on the base sport package over the Nismo regardless if it had around 20 more hp. But thats only a difference of exhaust and tune. The Nismo does have the suspension, but I will say this.

I think if you are going to spend this much on a car I do think it should definately have and oil cooler and brake pads that can play around on a track for the majority of the day. Obviously if you are going to use your car on the track primarily then you will probably just go ahead and order a better pair of brakes/pads. Before I bought my Z I test drove the Evo 10. That is a car that you can take out (stock) to a track anyday and go all day. I decided on the Z because of a couple of reasons. More power, better looks, all around in my opinion, better car. Plus I knew since I was buying it that I could put upgrades on it to make it better. If you leased your Z, or complaining on spending just a little bit more to make your bargain car better, than I suggest that you do a little more research on your car. I had no idea that the Z didn't have an oil cooler, or brake pads not "track" ready, but if those are the only two complaints about the car, then what does it matter. Those are two very easy fixes to an almost perfect bargain car.

Car & Driver do have a bias towards BMW. It seems every new mag that comes out has an article in it as to why the BMW M3 is the world's perfect sports car. They do seem to cut down the Nismo 370 WAAAY too much. They don't even complain about the oil cooler, just brake pads...Easy fix.

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pulpz

I'm about half way through the article. And in my mind the bias against the 370Z stands out when reading about he Mustang equipped with the "Track Package". Noticeable brake fade after a few laps (prob comparable to 370Z) so why don't they rip the mustang for not having more durable brakes for what is a "track equipped car? They rip the Nismo's "tight shifting" transmission ( no mention of the advantages of synchro rev) but say that the mustang 5 spd is good for what it is. ?!?

I think the car mags are tired of being flogged and blamed for discrediting the domestic auto industry and I think this is another instance where they have swung the other direction. It kills me how overwhelming positive most reviews of the mustang are with subtle qualifiers like (for a solid axle car, for what it is ...etc.) I thin its pathetic that ford has never developed Independent rear suspension.

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m4a1mustang

Not to get into this again, there was an old thread for this, but Ford did and the Mustang enthusiasts didn't like it.

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theDreamer

Yep, we have that thread already.
But I do agree that reviews against the 370z seem a bit biased, but how was it with the 350z came out? I see many reviews putting the Z up against other cars and they complain about noise or slight visibility, and then the compared car loses in all the "tests," costs more, and they talk about some major issues that car has had after a few years of ownership. But wait, the Z will lose in the end because it just does not compete at the same level.

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SeeyaBud86

Im beginning to think Car & Driver are literally retarded...

In their September Issue they have a new car buyer's guide inside. So I decided to look at what was said about the 370z and the G37...

G37 - "Driver's Choice: Go for the rear-drive 6M coupe for that grownup 370z feel. SUM UP: MORE NIGHTMARES FOR BMW, MERCEDES.
370Z - "All iterations of this superbly balanced two-seater deliver enthusiast-grade driving fun on demand. SUM UP: SPORTS-CAR MOVES, TRUCK-ENGINE NOISE."

Also in the article of the Lightning Lap this is said about the Nismo, "But what made the Z the least track-worthy car we've ever tested at Lightning Lap were it's brakes."

Then they had an under $50k best cars (editor's choice)...
1. Porsche Boxster (this boggles my mind Boxster = suck)
2. 370z
3. Corvette
4. MX-5
5. RX-8

No complaints prior to the Lightning Lap article to the cars brakes...Only engine noise/strain.

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MightyBobo

Because tracking the car is the only place you're going to find out if the brakes can really hold up or not. What OTHER times would they have tested it? Hammering the brakes after a 0-100-0 run, or a 1/4th run? Even then, they'd have plenty of time to cool again, and it wouldnt happen nearly often enough to fade badly.

Furthermore, the Boxster = suck? Do explain, please...

The lightning lap is purely a track-testing experience. It has nothing to do with the amenities of the car. On the other hand, the editors choice is all about how the car is for Average Joe Buyer who will get in and tool around town on occasion.

It sure shows who has 0 track experience on this board...



In other news, anyone notice how the Mustang GT won the LL1 time bracket? I find this interesting, considering its using ANCIENT LIVE AXLE TECHNOLOGY. Lawl.

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pulpz

With the Z its issue with the pads more so than the entire braking system.

...I don't think there is an explanation. lol.

....now hold up there. Take the Nismo Z out and enter the Base Sport Z, and the LL1 goes to Nissan.

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Old Chuck

I have a question. If we go to the upgraded pads to avoid any problems, what will the driving experience be on the street? I have not purchased yet but will soon and plan on doing a bit of mountain driving and would not want to have any problems. Perhaps Modshack or someone who has pushed the Z throught the mountains can comment on their opinion on the stock pads down a tough stretch such as the tail of the dragon.

One other unrelated comment: when someone say boxsters suck it seems to take away from the discussion. Likes are a personal issue but if you look at how the boxster/cayman performs it hardly sucks. Whether you like the P cars is neither here or there but they all perform well...May be expensive to buy and maintain but perform well.

MightyBobo

I know full well what the cause is, and it can be blamed almost directly on whiney 350Z owners


Im assuming this is an admission of the fact that the Boxster isnt a bad car. Because if you think so, I think its fair to note the Caymen S MATCHED the time of the 911, with 65 LESS horsepower. I know some people are into the whole, "911 is the best Porsche zomg" mentality. Sad truth is, their mid-engined offerings are far more balanced, and the Boxster is an excellent example of that.

How do you figure? 1st: LL1 is $30K or less. A Base+Sport MSRPs for more than 30K, and they always go off of MSRP. 2nd: even if you go with base non-sport...the GT ran a 3:13.3, and the Nismo's best was 3:12.0. I can almost guarantee the less-sticky and smaller tires on the Base, not to mention the small horsepower deficit and even WORSE brakes, would handicap the Base even more. Winner: Mustang GT.

Long and short, its obvious the stock braking system (and of course, oil cooling) in the 370 is its Achilles heel at the moment. Fix those, and its perfectly track ready.

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MightyBobo

Just get some Hawk HPS pads for the street. Should be just fine. But I doubt you'd have too many issues in stock form doing some mountain driving...the stopping areas at VIR are EXTREMELY intensive! We're talking, 130MPH->40MPH. Unless you're doing stopping like THAT on a mountain drive...you probably shouldnt be too worried.

A+ for recognizing a great sports car without bias, btw. Lots of Nissan fanboy-ism runs deep here, and its sad to see that a lot of times, the only ones who dont show it are the exiles from other walks of the automotive life...

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