For Those Who Upgraded From a 350Z
 

The time has almost come when I will be trading in my 2006 350Z MT with 85000 miles. The cars I am seriously considering are the 370Z, the 2011 Mustang GT, and the Camaro SS.
My questions are to those who have also owned a 350Z.
Firstly, how significant is the performance upgrade (acceleration, handling, etc)?
Secondly, is the noise level of the 370Z significantly increased over the 350Z?
Thirdly, to those living in hot climates such as South Florida, have oil temperatures been a problem?
Lastly, is the transmission as clunky as the 350Z for example 1st to 2nd shift)?
Thank you

You already know the answers

I have not push the car since I still following the guidelines of the break-in period.

The road noise is a little bit more noticeable.

Don't know about the oil temp problems in states like Florida or Texas.

And lastly the transmission feels to me almost like the 350 except for the SRM.

I'd say, go to a dealer and take one out for a test drive. Should answer all your questions except for the third one.

Oil temperature fears have gotten way out of hand...Do you plan on tracking the car? If not don't even bother worrying about it. And if you're so freaked out spend $500 for an oil cooler and forget about it..

The 370z is definitely faster than the 350z, but it may not feel as fast because the torque curve is so flat across the power band.

Noise level? I don't mind noise in my sports car. People must have really sensitive ears because it's fine to me.

I love the Z and would have no desire for the Mustang or Camaro

Transmission isn't exactly the smoothest in the world. But after you drive it for awhile you'll get used to it and work out the kinks.

I came from a full bolt on and tuned 03 g35 coupe that put down 288 whp... The 370z is superior in every way.

Noise is no big deal unless you go over small pebbles than it sounds like your car is being blasted by bee bees .... thats about the only time it bothers me, and its not that big of a deal..

Oil temp is no big deal unless you go to the track and will be sitting at 4k plus rpms for extended periods of time, and at that point, you know that going fast = money so you thow an oil cooler in and your gtg...

The z is a completely different car than the mustang or camaro... and if you love your 350z and dont mind the 2 seats, the 370z is the clear winner

If you grew tired of the 350z and its two seats and looking for a bigger, torquier, heaver, " muscle" car than look at the other two..

But if you are worried that the performance doesnt jusity the price tag or the upgrade , it definatly does.. In every aspect.

The cars really arent similar though so it depends on what you want...

my brother has a 350z and when I take his car out, i grow to like mine even more :)

I have never tracked a car, it is strictly for daily commuting
I test drove an automatic but its hard to get a real impression from a short drive, particularly as we did not drive on the highway
and the two seats does not bother me, my wife has an 08 Armada which has plenty of room if I need
does anyone know if the 370Z will be refreshed in 2011 or 2012?
thanks

Didn't you already declare in another thread that you're going with the Mustang?

If your are coming from the DE motor than the overall accel/power is very noticeable, I can't speak for HR because I did not own one. And as far as handling, this is a BIG yes across the board.

For me, this was exactly the same as my 350.

Oil issues only occur when pushing the car hard for a long period of time I.E. on a track. Unless you are driving on public roads like it was a track than you should not experience any oil temp issues.

The shifting has definitely improved IMO. Its less clunky and smoother for all gears.

P.S. I think you'll find your answers after you test drive one.

i said i was seriously considering the mustang, which i am

i would appreciate comments from people in south florida, texas, etc regarding oil temps they are seeing
thanks

do you want a car that can go hard forward or a car that can turn too? :roflpuke2:

noise levels are ok. it was abit louder than the 350 I test drove but only when you are driving over parts with loose bits since they will make noise but other than that I find the sound of the tires quite soothing.

Car goes abit quicker than the 350Z. but its not like its completely different.

transmission wise I cant answer but I didn't have problems with the MT on the 350 nice and stiff is the way I like it.

The AT is awesome to be honest. it shifts pretty quick especially if you are flooring it hard.

I do hav to admit I love the mustang and camaro but they are from what I have heard not as "fun" as the 370Z.

in one sentence. get it damnit :roflpuke2:

You could be driving directly on top of the equator, and if you're not tracking your Z, you're not going to see any abnormal oil temperatures.

We have members all across the Caribbean and Central America with no issues.

GL with your decision! I work with a guy that drives an '06 350z and he is in love with my 370z!

I also love the styling of the 370Z, I think it makes the 350Z look really dated when side by side.
As I have made clear my main reason for hesitation at this point is that I had problems with oil consumption on my car and I am concerned about oil temp issues as I am in South Florida. I don't mind the expense of installing an oil cooler, but I do mind if that will void the warranty. I have spoken with my dealer (Royal Palm Nissan in Wellington Florida) and cannot get a straight answer from them.
Although many people state that there is no problem unless the car is tracked, it seems from discussions on this forum that although limp mode may not be engaged, temps may regardless remain highly elevated.

I have a 09 370Z I bought 14 months ago when I traded my 2005 350Z in. My 370Z has 18K miles on it.

I live in Orlando, FL.

Yes, the performance of the 370Z is much better than the 350Z. 370Z pulls hard in upper RPMs. 350Z puttered out it seemed in high RPMs. Suspension is much better both in handling and ride, which was an impressive combination of improvements.

Noise seems similar to me. Neither is a quiet ride because they are sports cars. Buy Michelins, it will be quieter then. You will still get rocks and pebbles bouncing in the wheel wells though.

Oil temps are no problem at all. None. I drive fast sometimes. I drive in bumper to bumper highway traffic too. Non-issue.

Transmission is the same, but if you shift well it is not clunky. You just have to know how it is and how to drive it.