370z Driving Feel

ProfessorDave · 10-04-2011, 09:19 AM

I associate the OP's comments with my own impression that the Z would feel more sporty if it were more nimble and tossable. However, that would mean shedding weight which would have to come from the engine I suppose. Then we'd be without the power that makes the car so much fun to drive.

Oh, and I hear Steve is change avoiding. Someone saw him dump all his pennies into a tip jar at Starbucks awhile back.

Alchemy · 10-04-2011, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

I think the z has some of the best driving feel you will find under 35k. It's pretty transparent compared to most modern cars.

The tough thing is every couple years, standards for steering feel change. I remember people bitching about how the s2000 felt disconnected from the road--it's laughable now.
The only other inexpensive performance car I feel like has steering on par with the z is the wrx, and even then, it's a totally different experience. (not counting the miata here)

I think the z does frustrate some people (me included) when they made sacrifices like the rough engagement of the trans, clutch chatter, tons of tire noise, etc....while gearing most of the car for a luxury ride. It's a frustrating feeling for a car to feel so "raw", but have a silent exhaust, nose dive on 6k fronts, no oil cooler, severe understeer dialed into setup, fuel starve, etc.

I think nissan couldnt quite decide the target market for the car, and it showed. A little more dedication to the raw side, and we'd likely be seeing them all over the track.

If the steering feel, etc, in the z doesn't do it for you, I don't think anything new under 50k will. Time to shop for a miata or a Porsche.

Personally I love the rawness of my Z. I think it has a great driving feel. I never feel disconnected from the driving experience. I would say to the OP that if you have the feelings you have toward the Z then maybe its not the right car for you.

wstar · 10-04-2011, 09:28 AM

I totally agree the Z would become an even better car if it could shed more weight, but there will be tradeoffs with that: either (a) the car gets way noisier (drop a bunch of sound-insulation / interior type crap), or (b) the price goes up due to more expensive lightweight materials doing the same job.

LunaZ · 10-04-2011, 09:43 AM

You want sports car feel? Get a 1994 Miata R Package.
Lightweight, no power steering... no power anything for that matter!
I guarantee you'll always feel connected to the driving experience no matter how few tenths you're driving at.

m4a1mustang · 10-04-2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorDave

Oh, and I hear Steve is change avoiding. Someone saw him dump all his pennies into a tip jar at Starbucks awhile back.

BTW I agree with pretty much everything Dan said.

I will also say that people that piss on Miatas are not real car people! They are UBER FUN.

shadoquad · 10-04-2011, 09:59 AM

I think the Z feels fantastic to drive. It's subdued when I'm cruising around town, but I can toss it through twisties like a demon. The engine is fantastic, the steering feel is fantastic. I never feel out of control in the car. It handles like it's on rails. I like the stock exhaust being quiet, because it creates a low profile. I have immense amounts of fun in the car, it was worth every penny.

Davey · 10-04-2011, 10:02 AM

I find the Z to be a great balance between liveable and fun to drive/raw/engaging.

scottIN · 10-04-2011, 10:06 AM

I've got a 2012 on order...and I've never even driven one! In fact, I ordered a touring / sport in red and I've never seen: a touring..or a sport...or a red! Yeah, call me crazy. The only one they had at the dealership was super-base and I didn't even want to drive it. Sat in it to make sure I liked the overall layout & placed my order.

I'm *guessing* it's going to handle better & have more power than my Ridgeline does though. And I'm also going to assume it won't pull 3Gs like my kart will, but oh well - that's why I have the kart.

Vaughanabe13 · 10-04-2011, 10:24 AM

Is the Z34 the best car ever made? Of course not. It has its faults. But I love driving it as my DD, it turns heads everywhere I go, and it has the power when I want to have some extra fun. It's my first sports car and I have absolutely zero regret. Plus the community is great. Just the other day I drove by a 350Z and he gave me a big grin and thumbs up from across the median so I returned the favor. I'm glad I don't drive another generic mustang.

shadoquad · 10-04-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottIN

I've got a 2012 on order...and I've never even driven one! In fact, I ordered a touring / sport in red and I've never seen: a touring..or a sport...or a red! Yeah, call me crazy. The only one they had at the dealership was super-base and I didn't even want to drive it. Sat in it to make sure I liked the overall layout & placed my order.

I'm *guessing* it's going to handle better & have more power than my Ridgeline does though. And I'm also going to assume it won't pull 3Gs like my kart will, but oh well - that's why I have the kart.

I suggest test driving one in the meantime.

The touring seats are different than the base seats. They feel nicer generally, but they have electronics in them which make them feel tighter. The sport package is quite different than base as well.

Do yourself a favor and find a sport/touring, even if it's on a used lot somewhere, and drive it around for a minute to get to know the car.

kenchan · 10-04-2011, 10:43 AM

i fell asleep after about the first paragraph.

shadoquad · 10-04-2011, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

i fell asleep after about the first paragraph.

Then you missed his capsule review of charburgers with cheese fries.

birdmanx1 · 10-04-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I suggest test driving one in the meantime.

The touring seats are different than the base seats. They feel nicer generally, but they have electronics in them which make them feel tighter. The sport package is quite different than base as well.

Do yourself a favor and find a sport/touring, even if it's on a used lot somewhere, and drive it around for a minute to get to know the car.

scottIN you don't want to be part of the "I thought the car did this and that" wagon.

Congrats on your purchase too boss

daisuke149 · 10-04-2011, 11:06 AM

well cant spend too much time here, (at work)

but i completely disagree with the OP regarding the comparison to the 350z

The 370z to me has better feel for the road and feedback to the driver. But its not as raw as the 350z.

The control and refinement is much much better.

I honestly did not like the 350z at all. Never even bothered to look at the 370z because of it untill i just happened to pass one by the dealership.

Armonster · 10-04-2011, 11:19 AM

OP - I agree on a lot of your points, although I wouldn't go as far as your final conclusion.

The main thing I agree on is that driving in traffic (or anywhere less than 4/10 or 5/10 of the cars potential) is no fun at all. Especially with a manual, this car does NOT want to cruise at low speeds. My perception is that the car is only comfortable under moderate-to-heavy acceleration or cruising at highway speeds. I would blame this on a lack of sophistication in the drivetrain (for example, the clutch feel/sound at low speeds, the engine's general hatred of being below 2000 rpms, touchy brake pedal, quiet exhaust etc).

Having said that, the fact that the car feels so comfortable being pushed hard makes me think that the engineers accomplished their primary goal, and that the lacking sophistication is what accounts for the price difference between this car and a BMW/Porsche/etc.

There are, however, some really good "driving qualities" about this car. The chassis is solid. The suspension feels solid with minimal body roll (compared to a normal car). The steering wheel is responsive, precise, pleasantly heavy (all subjective), and is geared so that you don't have to turn the wheel much to make the tires turn a particular amount. The torque curve is nice and flat above 3k rpms. Getting into the car feels like buckling into a fighter plane or something - nice supportive seat, enclosed space, controls all facing the diver, big tachometer in your face.

There are also some good mods that make the car feel more alive. A stainless steel clutch cable, lighter clutch helper spring, and a more appropriate exhaust go a long way in that department. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives for me.

I have to say, though, that over time the positive qualities start to seem "normal" and the negative qualities start to seem more negative. The solution is to drive another car for a day and get a reality check. I have a 2001 maxima that accomplishes that for me, and if that wasn't enough I borrowed a friend's old Ford Ranger for a couple days to move some stuff. Now THAT was a reality check.

10-04-2011, 09:19 AM	#16 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 19	I associate the OP's comments with my own impression that the Z would feel more sporty if it were more nimble and tossable. However, that would mean shedding weight which would have to come from the engine I suppose. Then we'd be without the power that makes the car so much fun to drive. Oh, and I hear Steve is change avoiding. Someone saw him dump all his pennies into a tip jar at Starbucks awhile back. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

10-04-2011, 09:28 AM	#18 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3594	I totally agree the Z would become an even better car if it could shed more weight, but there will be tradeoffs with that: either (a) the car gets way noisier (drop a bunch of sound-insulation / interior type crap), or (b) the price goes up due to more expensive lightweight materials doing the same job. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

10-04-2011, 09:43 AM	#19 (permalink)
LunaZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Vagabond Posts: 6,704 Drives: Project: a white one Rep Power: 512	You want sports car feel? Get a 1994 Miata R Package. Lightweight, no power steering... no power anything for that matter! I guarantee you'll always feel connected to the driving experience no matter how few tenths you're driving at. __________________ 2009 370Z Sport/Touring/Navigation \| see my journal for mods facebook: Be my friend... or not.

10-04-2011, 10:24 AM	#24 (permalink)
Vaughanabe13 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Iowa Posts: 387 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z M6 Rep Power: 14	Is the Z34 the best car ever made? Of course not. It has its faults. But I love driving it as my DD, it turns heads everywhere I go, and it has the power when I want to have some extra fun. It's my first sports car and I have absolutely zero regret. Plus the community is great. Just the other day I drove by a 350Z and he gave me a big grin and thumbs up from across the median so I returned the favor. I'm glad I don't drive another generic mustang. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370Z Touring, w/sport, 6MT, chicane yellow/black.

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10-04-2011, 09:59 AM	#21 (permalink)
shadoquad A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: . Posts: 42,608 Drives: . Rep Power: 3886	I think the Z feels fantastic to drive. It's subdued when I'm cruising around town, but I can toss it through twisties like a demon. The engine is fantastic, the steering feel is fantastic. I never feel out of control in the car. It handles like it's on rails. I like the stock exhaust being quiet, because it creates a low profile. I have immense amounts of fun in the car, it was worth every penny.

10-04-2011, 10:02 AM	#22 (permalink)
Davey A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 3,766 Drives: '15 NISMO 6MT Rep Power: 117171	I find the Z to be a great balance between liveable and fun to drive/raw/engaging.

10-04-2011, 10:06 AM	#23 (permalink)
scottIN Track Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: New Castle, Indiana Posts: 764 Drives: '12 370Z Rep Power: 55	I've got a 2012 on order...and I've never even driven one! In fact, I ordered a touring / sport in red and I've never seen: a touring..or a sport...or a red! Yeah, call me crazy. The only one they had at the dealership was super-base and I didn't even want to drive it. Sat in it to make sure I liked the overall layout & placed my order. I'm guessing it's going to handle better & have more power than my Ridgeline does though. And I'm also going to assume it won't pull 3Gs like my kart will, but oh well - that's why I have the kart.

10-04-2011, 10:43 AM	#26 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	i fell asleep after about the first paragraph.

10-04-2011, 11:06 AM	#29 (permalink)
daisuke149 My *** is famous! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alpharetta, GA Posts: 4,849 Drives: 2013 Boss 302 PW Rep Power: 31	well cant spend too much time here, (at work) but i completely disagree with the OP regarding the comparison to the 350z The 370z to me has better feel for the road and feedback to the driver. But its not as raw as the 350z. The control and refinement is much much better. I honestly did not like the 350z at all. Never even bothered to look at the 370z because of it untill i just happened to pass one by the dealership.

10-04-2011, 11:19 AM	#30 (permalink)
Armonster Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 270 Drives: 2010 370z t/sp/6mt Rep Power: 14	OP - I agree on a lot of your points, although I wouldn't go as far as your final conclusion. The main thing I agree on is that driving in traffic (or anywhere less than 4/10 or 5/10 of the cars potential) is no fun at all. Especially with a manual, this car does NOT want to cruise at low speeds. My perception is that the car is only comfortable under moderate-to-heavy acceleration or cruising at highway speeds. I would blame this on a lack of sophistication in the drivetrain (for example, the clutch feel/sound at low speeds, the engine's general hatred of being below 2000 rpms, touchy brake pedal, quiet exhaust etc). Having said that, the fact that the car feels so comfortable being pushed hard makes me think that the engineers accomplished their primary goal, and that the lacking sophistication is what accounts for the price difference between this car and a BMW/Porsche/etc. There are, however, some really good "driving qualities" about this car. The chassis is solid. The suspension feels solid with minimal body roll (compared to a normal car). The steering wheel is responsive, precise, pleasantly heavy (all subjective), and is geared so that you don't have to turn the wheel much to make the tires turn a particular amount. The torque curve is nice and flat above 3k rpms. Getting into the car feels like buckling into a fighter plane or something - nice supportive seat, enclosed space, controls all facing the diver, big tachometer in your face. There are also some good mods that make the car feel more alive. A stainless steel clutch cable, lighter clutch helper spring, and a more appropriate exhaust go a long way in that department. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives for me. I have to say, though, that over time the positive qualities start to seem "normal" and the negative qualities start to seem more negative. The solution is to drive another car for a day and get a reality check. I have a 2001 maxima that accomplishes that for me, and if that wasn't enough I borrowed a friend's old Ford Ranger for a couple days to move some stuff. Now THAT was a reality check.