US News ranked 370z as most affordable sports car 02.22.09

sbkim · 02-22-2009, 08:24 PM

2009 Nissan 370Z Reviews, Pictures and Prices - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

Nissan 370Z - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Nissan 370Z ranks 1 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 12 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan 370Z, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 370Z is a fast paced sports coupe that offers a lot of power, prowess, style, and quality for an affordable price. The Z coupe is the newest addition to Nissan's long line of Z sports cars.

New for 2009, the Nissan 370Z replaces last year's 350Z coupe, and is reportedly a faster, more capable sports performer with incredibly good looks and a quality-built interior cabin. "Overall, the 2009 Nissan 370Z offers up a more compact and muscular, yet organic and sophisticated look than its predecessor," writes Motor Trend. "Where the 350Z appeared to be a long-legged GT cruiser, the 2009 Nissan 370Z returns to its 240Z roots but adds just enough muscle and aggression to give the look of a proper race track brawler."

Even so, the 370Z is not perfect. Initial test drives reveal so-so fuel economy and coarse engine performance as the Z coupe nears redline. But, considering everything that it offers, critics seem more than willing to overlook these flaws. By and large, reviewers find the new Z is an incredible sports car -- especially for its affordable sticker price.

If you're in the market for a sports coupe, consider the hard-top convertible MX-5 Miata. While it's not a coupe in the traditional sense, it offers top-notch sports handling that's hard to argue with. For more passenger room, the Mazda RX-8 also makes a great choice -- though it can't compete with the 370Z or Miata in terms of performance. Still, keep in mind that you can upgrade to the luxury of a BMW Z4 for not too much more.

The '09 370Z is offered in two trims: the base and Touring. Though the 350Z roadster continues into the 2009 model year, a convertible 370Z is expected to hit the market in 2010.

* "The 370Z addresses every major complaint about the outgoing car - namely its weight and sub par interior quality - but maintains and, if anything, further distills the basic Z-car formula. ... On paper and in person, the new 370Z appears to be a very worthy successor to the Z-car line and, once again, a smashing sports car bargain." -- Automobile Magazine
* "It would cost about 10 grand more for the BMW 135i, a car with some similar performance aspects to the 370Z. For about the same money as the 370Z, you could get a Honda S2000, but that roadster lacks any decent cabin tech." -- CNET
* "It's nice to see that the Z has evolved effectively, yet gradually, with its main attribute - value - firmly in place. The 370Z continues to offer the style and performance of European sports cars at a fraction of their price, a tradition started by the original 240Z back in 1970." -- Road and Track
* "The Verdict: At this price, possibly the best sports car on the planet." -- Car and Driver

370Z Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Test drivers are clear in their praise for the new Z coupe, which out performs the old 350Z in virtually every way. "Once you press the throttle pedal, it's immediately clear that the 370Z is a different animal than the 350Z," writes Road and Track. "Amidst the familiar hum of the VQ, the new Z leaves the line with more vigor. The hearty low-end punch is still there, but the 370Z keeps accelerating robustly, pulling strongly all the way to its 7500-rpm redline." Still, some auto writers criticize its near redline performance. continue
370Z Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)

Auto writers are pleased with the 370Z's sleek exterior and liken it to other Nissan models. "Overall, the 370Z - which was developed under the code name C53D - appears to keep the same general shape as the current 350Z," writes Left Lane News. "As previously speculated, the newest Z receives a headlight treatment similar to the design seen on the 2009 Maxima." continue
370Z Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Unlike the 350Z, the new Z coupe's cabin is composed of quality materials. According to Car and Driver: "The cockpit is richer than its predecessor's, with graceful contrasting stitching, a kneepad on the center console, and a classy hinged leather panel covering the hole you'll create if you don't order the nav system." Best of all, you can choose to have the interior fitted with a wide array of hi-tech multi-media equipment. continue
370Z Safety - NA

The Nissan 370Z has not yet been crash tested. Some critics complain that its exterior design hampers visibility. continue
370Z Reliability - NA

Nissan covers the '09 370Z with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue

Has nice aggregation of reviews from other mags.

AK370Z · 02-24-2009, 12:20 AM

Another great find!

For $29,900, I don't think you can buy a better sports car, period. In the article you can find reviews from other magazines as well. enjoy.

BanningZ · 02-24-2009, 04:32 AM

Great find on the article. +1 rep!

FairmanZ · 02-24-2009, 09:37 PM

Another glowing article on the Z. Cool.

But I found this statement a bit odd:

Quote:

For more passenger room, the Mazda RX-8 also makes a great choice -- though it can't compete with the 370Z or Miata in terms of performance.

Yup the recent C&D shoot out had the new Z with the win over the RX-8. But the last time I checked, the RX-8 was a better performer over the Miata in just about every way.

BanningZ · 02-24-2009, 09:56 PM

^ I found this thread on another site:
RX-8 vs. MX-5 - Team-BHP

heres one post.

Quote:

(Quote)Also the RX-8 has a rotary engine, much more of a sports car than the mx-5. Better performance and handling as well. (End quote)

I have driven both and actually, that is not correct.

The NC (which is the 3rd generation MX-5) uses the same platform as the RX-8, with weighs much less and a much shorter wheelbase. This means that the NC has all of the wonderfulness of the RX-8, but at an even higher plane. Both are incredible good handling cars, with a very rare balance of responsiveness, agility, ease of driving hard, communicativeness. But the MX-5 is even better than the RX-8 on this front due to its shorter wheelbase and lower weight.

The RX-8 does not have the performance advantage either. In car and driver's testing, these are the numbers for the two cars:

0-60mph
RX-8: 6.5s
MX-5: 6.5s

5-60mph
RX-8: 7.5s
MX-5: 7.4s

1/4 mile
RX-8: 15sec/93mph
MX-5: 15sec/91mph

These are extremely similar numbers. But the MX-5 is actually a better performer because it weighs less and its engine is much more flexible and does not need extremely high revs to perform. this is seen in the top gear acceleration numbers. this is full throttle acceleration in top gear (6th) without chaning down:

30mph-50mph
RX-8: 12.1 seconds
MX-5: 8.7 seconds

50mph - 70mph
RX-8: 10.9 seconds
MX-5: 8.9 seconds

The problem for the RX-8 is that it weight 600lbs more than the MX-5, but its rotary engine does not have much power below 6000rpm. This means that if you spin the engine up and keep it above 6000rpm, it can about match the MX-5's performance (due to low weight). and if you are below 6000rpm, lack of power and excess weight leaves the RX-8 struggling against the MX-5.

the MX-5 is one of the lightest cars available today with this kind of performance potential.

The RX-8 is a better choice over the MX-5 if you need the rear rear and you favor a fixed roof.

but for India, I would advise the MX-5. Rotaries are not advised if your mechanic is not heavily experienced with them.

Maybe that will help.

FairmanZ · 02-25-2009, 04:54 AM

An interesting perspective on the MX-5, which is a good sports car that may not get enough credit as a performance car. But the numbers they use for the RX-8 are some of the slowest I've seen and they also seem to be using the best numbers for the NC Miata.

Many tests have had the RX-8 as fast as 0-60 in 5.9 secs and 1/4 mi in 14.5 secs. I recall many car mag tests where the RX-8 topped the old 350z. Such as this MotorTrend article where it beat out the both the old Z and S2K.

Compact Sport Coupe Comparison - Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8 & Nissan 350Z - Motor Trend

I've have owned a Miata before and a FD RX-7, so I'm not biased for or against the RX-8. Just never thought of the Miata as the better performing car.

wronghand · 02-26-2009, 06:42 PM

The miata is a little fun car. But I don't feel it's solid built. Maybe just NC?
The stick shakes like a vibrator even in neutral. I am talking about 2 new cars with about 30mile on the meter that I tested last week. almost think sth wrong with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BanningZ

^ I found this thread on another site:
RX-8 vs. MX-5 - Team-BHP

heres one post.

Maybe that will help.

Greg · 02-26-2009, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Another great find!

For $29,900, I don't think you can buy a better sports car, period. In the article you can find reviews from other magazines as well. enjoy.

Tho I wonder if anyone really buys a bare boned base?

02-24-2009, 12:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Another great find! For $29,900, I don't think you can buy a better sports car, period. In the article you can find reviews from other magazines as well. enjoy. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

02-24-2009, 04:32 AM	#3 (permalink)
BanningZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: nowhere Posts: 5,478 Drives: 06' Nismo Frontier Rep Power: 29	Great find on the article. +1 rep! __________________ Become a Premium Member: Click HERE MB 06' Nismo VQ40DE

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02-22-2009, 08:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
sbkim Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nj Posts: 177 Drives: RRSC Rep Power: 16	2009 Nissan 370Z Reviews, Pictures and Prices - U.S. News Rankings and Reviews Nissan 370Z - What the Auto Press Says The 2009 Nissan 370Z ranks 1 out of 8 Affordable Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 12 published reviews and test drives of the Nissan 370Z, and our analysis of reliability and safety data. The 370Z is a fast paced sports coupe that offers a lot of power, prowess, style, and quality for an affordable price. The Z coupe is the newest addition to Nissan's long line of Z sports cars. New for 2009, the Nissan 370Z replaces last year's 350Z coupe, and is reportedly a faster, more capable sports performer with incredibly good looks and a quality-built interior cabin. "Overall, the 2009 Nissan 370Z offers up a more compact and muscular, yet organic and sophisticated look than its predecessor," writes Motor Trend. "Where the 350Z appeared to be a long-legged GT cruiser, the 2009 Nissan 370Z returns to its 240Z roots but adds just enough muscle and aggression to give the look of a proper race track brawler." Even so, the 370Z is not perfect. Initial test drives reveal so-so fuel economy and coarse engine performance as the Z coupe nears redline. But, considering everything that it offers, critics seem more than willing to overlook these flaws. By and large, reviewers find the new Z is an incredible sports car -- especially for its affordable sticker price. If you're in the market for a sports coupe, consider the hard-top convertible MX-5 Miata. While it's not a coupe in the traditional sense, it offers top-notch sports handling that's hard to argue with. For more passenger room, the Mazda RX-8 also makes a great choice -- though it can't compete with the 370Z or Miata in terms of performance. Still, keep in mind that you can upgrade to the luxury of a BMW Z4 for not too much more. The '09 370Z is offered in two trims: the base and Touring. Though the 350Z roadster continues into the 2009 model year, a convertible 370Z is expected to hit the market in 2010. * "The 370Z addresses every major complaint about the outgoing car - namely its weight and sub par interior quality - but maintains and, if anything, further distills the basic Z-car formula. ... On paper and in person, the new 370Z appears to be a very worthy successor to the Z-car line and, once again, a smashing sports car bargain." -- Automobile Magazine * "It would cost about 10 grand more for the BMW 135i, a car with some similar performance aspects to the 370Z. For about the same money as the 370Z, you could get a Honda S2000, but that roadster lacks any decent cabin tech." -- CNET * "It's nice to see that the Z has evolved effectively, yet gradually, with its main attribute - value - firmly in place. The 370Z continues to offer the style and performance of European sports cars at a fraction of their price, a tradition started by the original 240Z back in 1970." -- Road and Track * "The Verdict: At this price, possibly the best sports car on the planet." -- Car and Driver 370Z Performance - 9.1 (Excellent) Test drivers are clear in their praise for the new Z coupe, which out performs the old 350Z in virtually every way. "Once you press the throttle pedal, it's immediately clear that the 370Z is a different animal than the 350Z," writes Road and Track. "Amidst the familiar hum of the VQ, the new Z leaves the line with more vigor. The hearty low-end punch is still there, but the 370Z keeps accelerating robustly, pulling strongly all the way to its 7500-rpm redline." Still, some auto writers criticize its near redline performance. continue 370Z Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good) Auto writers are pleased with the 370Z's sleek exterior and liken it to other Nissan models. "Overall, the 370Z - which was developed under the code name C53D - appears to keep the same general shape as the current 350Z," writes Left Lane News. "As previously speculated, the newest Z receives a headlight treatment similar to the design seen on the 2009 Maxima." continue 370Z Interior - 8.5 (Very Good) Unlike the 350Z, the new Z coupe's cabin is composed of quality materials. According to Car and Driver: "The cockpit is richer than its predecessor's, with graceful contrasting stitching, a kneepad on the center console, and a classy hinged leather panel covering the hole you'll create if you don't order the nav system." Best of all, you can choose to have the interior fitted with a wide array of hi-tech multi-media equipment. continue 370Z Safety - NA The Nissan 370Z has not yet been crash tested. Some critics complain that its exterior design hampers visibility. continue 370Z Reliability - NA Nissan covers the '09 370Z with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue Has nice aggregation of reviews from other mags.

02-25-2009, 04:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
FairmanZ Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Paradise Posts: 133 Drives: Z34 future owner Rep Power: 16	An interesting perspective on the MX-5, which is a good sports car that may not get enough credit as a performance car. But the numbers they use for the RX-8 are some of the slowest I've seen and they also seem to be using the best numbers for the NC Miata. Many tests have had the RX-8 as fast as 0-60 in 5.9 secs and 1/4 mi in 14.5 secs. I recall many car mag tests where the RX-8 topped the old 350z. Such as this MotorTrend article where it beat out the both the old Z and S2K. Compact Sport Coupe Comparison - Honda S2000, Mazda RX-8 & Nissan 350Z - Motor Trend I've have owned a Miata before and a FD RX-7, so I'm not biased for or against the RX-8. Just never thought of the Miata as the better performing car.