Nissan 370Z Forum - I just had my first test drive in a 370Z

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)

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- - I just had my first test drive in a 370Z (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/60203-i-just-had-my-first-test-drive-370z.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tazicon (Post 1904425)

I have never met one Z owner with the 7at that wished they went the other way.

Talk to b1adesofcha0s.

I know a few others as well.

I'm not saying Auto is worse. I'm saying that people have differing opinions. I can accept yours.

Again, I'm trying to avoid a debate here. I don't want this thread devolving into another of the countless and futile arguments about which transmission is better.

I just think that prospective owners should test drive both and decide for themselves. Is that something you would seriously argue against?

Shadoquad is correct in that you should test drive both and see which you like best. If you're sometimes wanting to chill out in traffic without shifting and then tear it up at other times using the paddle shifters go for the 7AT. If you're wanting the manual and don't mind shifting all the time that's the other option.

I can drive stick but chose the 7AT but it doesn't mean the 7AT is better for everyone. It comes down to what the driver's choice is. You'll have fun with the car either way that's for sure :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssmoked (Post 1904192)

auto without sport package also comes with paddle shifters :icon23:

Cool, learn something every day! I still wanted the spoiler, lighted step plates, bigger brakes, etc so I'd definitely recommend the sports package.

The auto puts out a higher torque feel and is faster or at least faster feeling. (probably due to feeling more of the Z's natural torque). But the manual gives you more connection to the car and is more engaging. The Z has better engine characteristics from the auto. Adding an intake increases throttle response and greatly improves that feeling. The Z manual is most preferable if you compete or plan on eventually going FI.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370zGatorman (Post 1904465)

Cool, learn something every day! I still wanted the spoiler, lighted step plates, bigger brakes, etc so I'd definitely recommend the sports package.

most auto Z comes with option added front chin, rear spoiler and step plates. the only thing it lacks are the bigger breaks. but unless you are tracking it, the normal breaks are better than 90% of the cars on the street already anyways

manuals are fun, dont get me wrong... but i chose the auto bc of constant rush hour traffic here

My 370 is the most fun I've had with a car period. Not the fastest but that's OK. I've owned 2 vettes that I turned into race cars, a jag, an alfa Romeo, mustangs, trans am and others not worth mention but the 370 is a joy for me to drive.

My crowning moment thus far with it was last month when a gorgeous copper Audi R8 GT pulled up beside me at a light and the knockout woman driving it says she loves my car... Sadly my invitation to coffee resulted in a "Sorry"and a wave of her hand with a very big ring on it. But damn a BMW or Cayman wont get that level of attention.

Buy it, put softer rubber to lessen the noise and enjoy. Maybe the R8 driver who admires yours won't be married...

I would say it also depends on the road surface. Some roads the car is quiet a cruiser others its like dam i can't hear myself think. Sometimes when I go away for buisness and have a rental like a camry or altima I get used to them being so quiet. Get back home hop in the Z and think dam this car is loud. Ha! But I still love it. The only thing I don't like about the car is the rear quarterpanel blind spots. Makes backing up in parking lots and merging onto highways a little adventurous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuffZed (Post 1905572)

Same car situation with me. Was in downtown seattle one night on first ave right by pikes place and my car was parked on the side of the street. My GF went inside to look at stuff to buy while waiting for a friend who was with his GF decided to miss the exit when he was following me. While we were waiting for him to meet back up with us a R8 drove by while I was standing next to the Z. Dude damn near redlined his throttle when he glanced over at the Z. Put a big azz grin on my face to know a almost $200k Audi took enough notice to rev up.... Just concretes my thoughts on how well Nissan did with the design and budget that the 370Z brings to the table. :happydance:

I got the 370Z trying to be reasonable in my expectations. It has significantly exceeded those in the performance area. As to the rest, I was expecting it to be a sports car. Noisier than some cars, yes, but not intrusively so for me. It's not gadget-laden, but is very functional (sport-tourer) and has a sufficient number of amenities to make it generally commensurate with modern sports cars.

My first Z was a 240Z and my last one before this 370Z was a 280ZX Turbo. By the time I got the Turbo, the Z had gone far from the sports car category and become a bloated GT luxo-cruiser. I lost interest in the platform. Thirty years later, the 370Z goes back to my expectations of a performance sports car and I am completely happy with it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacCool (Post 1907370)

Well said. Its what a sports-car should be. If you want airconditioned seats and heated massage lounge chairs get an Audi A8L or the like and leave the real sportscars to those of us who know the difference. People beeotch about what it doesnt have, forgetting what they actually bought in the first place.

Given most of the cars don't ever see the track, what's the point to have it built like a race car? I will take the AC and power windows anyday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600 (Post 1907460)

Given most of the cars don't ever see the track, what's the point to have it built like a race car? I will take the AC and power windows anyday.

My 370Z has AC and power windows.

So do most cars, it isn't a luxury feature. Cars evolved, so do people.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hellmen (Post 1903942)

Manual gearbox - seemed clunky. I didn't like it much. I've read reviews claiming the automatic does the engine more justice, does it?

Noise. My god. Ok, I've never owned a performance car before so what do I know, but jesus it's loud. Swedish roads are not in great shape, but the road noise was very much an issue. I'm not sure I could cope with this car alone, I'd need an A-to-B carrier for transportation and shopping or lose my hearing after 500 miles.

I also connected my iPhone via bluetooth and called a friend to check that function. I heard him fine but he said I came through horribly. Sounded like talking out of a tin can. Unfortunate since I was hoping for a good hands-free integration. Maybe it was just that one time.

But, driving-wise, hair on fire bad-*** fun which is what I came hoping for. I'm in the market for a fun and impractical sports car to thrill me for 1-2 years. No kids, no wife, not even a dog. It's readily available at good prices in Germany thanks to the cheap euro, much less than similar cars from porsche and BMW.

If you had the choice between a used Porsche Cayman S, BMW Z4 35is, 335i convertible or M3 convertible or a spanking new 370z which would you go for?

I've emailed the sales guy to get an idea of what the cost of ownership is, service intervals and so on. Any major snags to expect? As a brand, Nissan is pretty reliable isn't it? Much like Honda.

Anyway, I appreciate any input. I wouldn't want to pass up a great car based on it being loud.

Also, I'm not sure what it's like in the US, but in sweden cars like this tend to lose value quite quickly. The market for them is not great to begin with and people tend to stick with the well-known models and brands. In the segment, I think the 370z is a bit of an outsider. I've yet to see one on the roads here at least, but I've seen three GT-Rs so far.

the stick is clunky, but I don't really notice it anymore. I love driving stick.

Noise. Ditch the loud stock tires and get Continental DW's, much better for noise and a good tire. Also, check out the audio section of this forum where you can get a free sample of GTmat, and get a great deal on more when you want to buy it. It has DRAMATICALLY reduced the level of noise in my car.

You're gonna upgrade the stock cd player anyway, so get one with bluetooth and mount the mic either under your rear view mirror or on your steering cluster somewhere. Problem solved.

Get this car. The others you mentioned are also nice, but there's something about this one that I love. You won't regret it, especially after you throw a few mods on there, the car REALLY wakes up :) :tup:

Sent from my iPizzle using magic and new-fangled science stuff

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600 (Post 1907477)

So do most cars, it isn't a luxury feature. Cars evolved, so do people.

It's not a luxury feature on the Z either, right? The point is, where does one draw the line? Everyone is different. I expect power windows, AC, cruise control. I don't care about road noise beyond a certain level. Back in the 80's, Nissan assumed that their Z customers wanted soft handling, velour interior, decreased road noise etc. I mean, what's a little body roll and jello-like shocks if the majority don't want to be bothered by tar strips in the road? Some apparently would like Nissan to "evolve" back in that direction. If they do, no doubt I'll look elsewhere for my next sports car. Again.