370z vs Evo X every day driver.
 

Hello everyone.

So I bought an X back in March, and I love everything statistically about the car, but I'm not sure if it's the right car for me. It's my only car, so it's my DD, but I commute 50 miles total every day. The gas mileage is ok, but with the tank size and gas prices right now it's just getting to me. I didn't buy the car expecting to get great gas mileage, but I have zero free time to take it to the track/mod it, which seems like what this car is meant for. The ride is also a bit rough around the edges.

I'm just curious, on a DD level, how the 370z compares to the X. Has anyone driven both? I haven't had a chance to go test-drive one myself, but I'm thinking about it. Also, over the year, is it cheaper to own a 370z? I know MSRP price tags are about the same, but if maintenance/mileage/comfort are far superior I might make the switch.

If anyone has own/driven both these cars I would love to hear their opinions. The other car I was looking at was a new Scion TC. I know it's not the best car in the bunch, but it's good gas mileage and I plan on getting a bike, so my fun could come from that.

Thanks for any and all help/advice!

-Nick

370 is more compliant for sure. Slightly better gas mileage too.

It will only be good for part of your year though, where the X is a full year car.

I live near Chicago...so it wouldn't be good for the winters? I know it's RWD, but my commute is mostly on nice highways.

X is better for DD, especially on snow days.

the low ground clearance can be pretty tough. Plus the underbody has no rust protection, so there's a huge problem if they salt the roads.

Can't say I've driven an Evo but I can say that IMO I would not use my Z as a DD. If I was you I'd probably get something like the scion tc (that's what my daily driver is actually) for DD purposes and keep the EVO for the weekends.

I drive the Z as my DD, to be honest, the Z gets much better mileage on the highway compared to the evo. I however would not recommend you getting a Z as your DD in Chicago though, I don't know how bad the snow is, but low clearance/lack of visibility in snow/rain will be dangerous. I think you should also look into genesis coupe/civic si/golf gti, if you're considering the Scion TC. I really like the Golf GTi, it's very practical and fun to drive.

I think maintenance costs are fairly low (besides the fact that you can't rotate tires...), I've only had to pay for oil changes/gas so far..

DD'ing the Z is very doable - even with the roads here in SoCal. Ride's compliant enough for a decently long commute, and fun when you want to have some (safely) taking the on/off ramps.

My only concern is racking up the miles...

being in chicago, i would say the X without a doubt for a dd. wait for one harsh winter with rwd..

Another thing to consider is that in most cases it doesn't make financial sense to trade 1 year old car in for a new car strictly to save money on gas. The money saved on gas would take years just to break even, let alone actually save money. Lets also not forget the Z is not all that great on gas. I do a combination of city and hwy and typically average 22-24mpg. I do have a heavy foot and enjoy the car so someone who drives like a grandma could probably do slightly better. Still, the Z is not at all good on gas. My girlfriends previous C6 Vette was much better considering it had a much larger V8. I could knock out 32mpg with that thing going 80+ on the hwy to California.

As for the suspension, I wouldn't say the Z is any better than the EVO. Both have tuned suspensions that are neither comfortable or nice. For most of us owners it's not something we care about, and I would expect the same is for most EVO owners. If you want a nicer ride get a WRX; still sports, fast and awd but with a much more compliant suspension.

Honestly, if I were in your shoes I would stay with the EVO. The Z is not at all rain, snow, or cold weather friendly. I'm out here in vegas which most people know it barely rains and it's over 100+ the majority of the year. Still, in the winter months when it's cold out I really have to baby the Z. The summer tires on this car suck when temps drop. In Chicago if you had the Z you would definitely have to invest in different wheels and tires for winter, even then you would still have to be far more cautious than if you stayed with the EVO. If I lived anywhere where rain and snow were common place for winter I would definitely be in a STI or EVO. Then again it's easy for me to say because I would still have my 280z and 300zx for summer.

Also remember that Z is a two seater=)
Sometimes its a good thing and sometimes its a bad thing=)
Like i never have to drive around my friends because there isnt enough room=)
Its also really low, so if you have really deep drive way or a sh!tty parking structures... it will be a pain...
Another thing is that there are lots of blind spots-.-;;
So be very careful when deciding on changing... weigh your pros and cons =)



Personally... if your gonna drive 50miles daily... go with prius... or fit... lol... save on gas =)

Get the tC. Better gas mileage. Much better daily driver. Great audio system. Cheap.

If I were you Id stick with the Evo X. I had one before and so with then VIII MR. both are reliable when it comes to wet surface or snow days. Dont have the evos anymore. Wanted to get into the rwd scene plus the Z caught my attention. But if you are worried about gas mileage Id suggest you get something more fuel efficient. But if you got money to burn and enjoy your car very much id stick with the evo for sure. I had fun with mine when I use to live upstate NY.

I actually just traded my NISMO 370Z for an Evo X MR due to an upcoming move to a snowy state. Since you said Chicago, I would stick with the Evo. Now that I've driven both extensively I would say the ride in the MR is better than that of the NISMO. I can't comment on a normal 370Z or a GSR however.

Z does look sexy... Lol cant beat=)