Nissan 370Z Forum  

370Z Nismo Test Drive, Slightly Disappointed Coming From A 350

I test drove a 370Z Nismo today and I think I had built up too high an expectation for this car. I currently drive an '04 350Z Performance. I had

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z General Area > Nissan 370Z General Discussions


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 08-14-2009, 11:13 PM   #1 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Centreville, VA
Posts: 15
Drives: '04 350Z Performance
Rep Power: 16
SManZ is on a distinguished road
Default 370Z Nismo Test Drive, Slightly Disappointed Coming From A 350

I test drove a 370Z Nismo today and I think I had built up too high an expectation for this car. I currently drive an '04 350Z Performance. I had a great experience at the dealer. During my first outing I was with my g/f. We drove on 45mph parkways and was able to accelerate up to around 60mph (too much traffic for much else). I was impressed by the handling and stable feel compared to the 350 when we caught a green right turn arrow at an intersection. Overall though, the acceleration was not discernibly greater than in the 350, though there was more torque at lower rpms.

When I came back I told the salesman about my lukewarm feelings. He asked if my g/f would swap places with him so he could show me to the main roads. They were not done building all the interchanges where we went so we got to make a u-turn at a light and go all out. The acceleration past 60 is stronger in the 370 and the increased torque is apparent when the rears break loose after shifting. Also, acceleration after a 6-3 downshift at 60mph is noticeably quicker. I was more impressed after my second drive in the car.

Overall though I am on the fence. Here's what I like about the car;
-Much better styling, great looking wheels
-Stable and responsive handling
-Comfortable highway ride, stiff suspension only noticeable on bumps
-Rev Match is pretty neat, thought I don't need it
-Comfy cabin
-Keyless entry and start (this is totally new to me)
-Fuel/Temp gauge wasn't as bad as I thought
-Much better interior material quality
-Much less tire noise

Here's what I don't like
-No speedometer on the triple gauge cluster
-Clock is a complete waste of one of the triple gauges, especially since there's one on the damn radio.
-Throttle response is very lazy/sluggish (blipping throttle to downshift)
-The additional 50HP over the 350Z doesn't feel like as much as I thought it would
-Side view is more restricted
-Clutch is overall too soft and feels econocar-like. The pedal starts off somewhat hard and then it just slumps to the floor after 1" or so of travel.
-The exhaust and motor noise that I love in the 350 is completely muted in the 370. In normal driving it may as well be an Altima. At WOT its still just too quiet to really get a performance oriented experience. My 350 has the Nismo exhaust on it, as does the 370.

The dealer is willing to deal and I left with a quote for $38,000 + freight, processing, tags, tax. I think I can get him to $38,000 including freight + tax, tags, processing.

The big question is, is the 370 more/better than the 350, and if so is the difference worth $40,000? I want to want this car...I just don't have the same desire to get it like I did when I bought my 350.

Last edited by SManZ; 08-14-2009 at 11:17 PM.
SManZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 11:19 PM   #2 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
m4a1mustang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 55,385
Drives: on two wheels
Rep Power: 6962
m4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Unless you're dead set on having a Nismo the Nismo package isn't worth it, IMO.

I think the 370 overall is a better car than the 350 in that it has progressed from a previous point. The driving experience may be similar but overall I think it's a better car.

If you're on the fence you can always hold out. Seems like you really enjoy your 350 and I wouldn't be surprised to see future model year 370s receive some bump ups in performance like the 350s saw during their production run.

On a side note... do you have any experience with Function Tuned out in Dulles?
__________________
- Steve
MAZOC Meet Thread
Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!
m4a1mustang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 11:52 PM   #3 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Centreville, VA
Posts: 15
Drives: '04 350Z Performance
Rep Power: 16
SManZ is on a distinguished road
Default

I do love my 350 - its been a trouble free and excellent performing car for the last 70K mi. I love having 300HP on tap whenever I want it yet still get 28mpg if I set the cruise. Right now I even use the thing to haul tools for my part-time mobile motorcycle maintenance business. I'm going to get a used truck or beater soon. If I get a new 370 it definitely will not be a tool hauler.

You bring up a good point about the base 370. A base 370 w/ sport pkg might be a better fit for me. The disparity between what I am getting over the 350 and how much the 370 Nismo costs is one of the things thats got me holding back. If its hard for me to tell much of a difference between my 350 and the 370 Nismo, I might find even less difference between the 370 base and 370 Nismo. If there's little difference in how it drives then there isn't good justification for the extra $6K.

I don't track/autox so anything that is easily apparent on the track I probably won't see or use. I drive somewhat aggressively, definitely spirited. Maybe the extras on the Nismo really aren't what I need...?

Thanks...you got me thinking that I need to go back and ask to test drive a base 370. And I haven't heard of Function Tuned. Have you worked with them?

Last edited by SManZ; 08-14-2009 at 11:54 PM.
SManZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 11:54 PM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
m4a1mustang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 55,385
Drives: on two wheels
Rep Power: 6962
m4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Yeah, definitely go back and test drive one. These things go for invoice so the savings is going to be big over the Nismo.
__________________
- Steve
MAZOC Meet Thread
Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!
m4a1mustang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 11:55 PM   #5 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
BMW Killa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: FL
Posts: 287
Drives: neezmo
Rep Power: 188
BMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond reputeBMW Killa has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I have a 350 nismo now, and wouldnt buy a nismo again. Not worth the money for the small gains.
BMW Killa is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-14-2009, 11:57 PM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
travisjb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: GSO
Posts: 2,803
Drives: VIR
Rep Power: 188
travisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond repute
Default

all the things you don't like are easily fixed with simple mods... you can get a great sound with a simple muffler swap... JWT flywheel and clutch for engine responsiveness... this thing comes alive when you add a few more HP with bolt ons and even more so when you drop ~100 lbs

go for it
__________________
2009 370Z #104
*For Sale*
travisjb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 12:05 AM   #7 (permalink)
Retired admin
 
frost's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Winterfell
Posts: 106,613
Drives: Your Wife Crazy
Rep Power: 0
frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost frost
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by travisjb View Post
all the things you don't like are easily fixed with simple mods... you can get a great sound with a simple muffler swap... JWT flywheel and clutch for engine responsiveness... this thing comes alive when you add a few more HP with bolt ons and even more so when you drop ~100 lbs

go for it
I'm just waiting for you to start driving without doors and a hood.
frost is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 12:15 AM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Endgame's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 1,613
Drives: Nothing Now!
Rep Power: 223
Endgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond reputeEndgame has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Lol!
Endgame is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 12:37 AM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
FricFrac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 1,481
Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240
Rep Power: 228
FricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via ICQ to FricFrac
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by travisjb View Post
all the things you don't like are easily fixed with simple mods... you can get a great sound with a simple muffler swap... JWT flywheel and clutch for engine responsiveness... this thing comes alive when you add a few more HP with bolt ons and even more so when you drop ~100 lbs

go for it
+1 - right on the money.

Nismo exhuast on the 370Z is very muted...
__________________
'09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //
FricFrac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 12:48 AM   #10 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Jason Burton's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Arizona
Posts: 20
Drives: PG 370Z Touring 6MT
Rep Power: 16
Jason Burton is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by m4a1mustang View Post
Unless you're dead set on having a Nismo the Nismo package isn't worth it, IMO.
I agree... and would add that even on just looks alone I think the standard 370Z is a more appealing car.

I too think the clock is kind of a disappointment, Nissan could have at least made it analog to better match the other gages. The car could also use a bit more exhaust note inside the car. I think the exhaust note sounds great but just doesn’t resonate in the cabin as much as it could... but as others have mentioned that's easy to fix and set-up just how each driver wants.

Last edited by Jason Burton; 08-15-2009 at 12:57 AM.
Jason Burton is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 01:16 AM   #11 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
GingaBreadMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 313
Drives: 09 370z Sport 6spd
Rep Power: 16
GingaBreadMan is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by travisjb View Post
all the things you don't like are easily fixed with simple mods... you can get a great sound with a simple muffler swap... JWT flywheel and clutch for engine responsiveness... this thing comes alive when you add a few more HP with bolt ons and even more so when you drop ~100 lbs

go for it
Did u drop 100lbs? If yes how, and was it within reason? Besides rims and exhaust I can't think of any reasonable weight reduction without removing seats and etc
GingaBreadMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 03:47 AM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
FricFrac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Victoria, BC
Posts: 1,481
Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240
Rep Power: 228
FricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond reputeFricFrac has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via ICQ to FricFrac
Default

Removing the junk in the trunk is good for about 50lbs in a few minutes.... check out the weight reduction thread.
__________________
'09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //
FricFrac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 11:39 AM   #13 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: OKC
Posts: 96
Drives: 2009 MB Base Sport
Rep Power: 16
zilent_jay is on a distinguished road
Default

My disappointments with the 370 over the 350 weren't apparent right away. It's really a lot of little things combined... from a driver standpoint, my 350 was just more fun to drive and I felt 100% connected to the car from day 1. I never spent 1 second trying to like the car. I never felt like anything needed changed.

For a car that was completely redesigned, I certainly don't think the 370 is good as it could be, or should be. Then again, nissan is trying to make the car as marketable as possible and at that I think they did a good job. Although, in hindsight, I would seriously reconsider getting rid of a perfectly good 350 for a 370.
zilent_jay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 11:48 AM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
travisjb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: GSO
Posts: 2,803
Drives: VIR
Rep Power: 188
travisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by frost View Post
I'm just waiting for you to start driving without doors and a hood.
no hood! good idea!
__________________
2009 370Z #104
*For Sale*
travisjb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2009, 11:50 AM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
travisjb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: GSO
Posts: 2,803
Drives: VIR
Rep Power: 188
travisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond reputetravisjb has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by FricFrac View Post
Removing the junk in the trunk is good for about 50lbs in a few minutes.... check out the weight reduction thread.
+1... you will find 50 easily... 100 lbs is not hard at all, while still preserving stock look and feel... spare tire is 30 lbs... an aftermarket exhaust could save you 30+ lbs... etc
__________________
2009 370Z #104
*For Sale*
travisjb is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
MotorTrend First Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z test drive 4.7 sec 0 to 60 11.25.08 AK370Z Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery 47 11-11-2009 09:06 PM
370z test drive question??? Xavier Raymond Gentleman's Club 23 08-29-2009 08:25 PM
Test Drive TV Australia - 370z GTRFAN Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery 3 08-08-2009 07:39 PM
370z on test drive joe370z Australia/New Zealand 7 08-08-2009 01:09 PM
Crashed the 370z on Test Drive.. nurburgring Nissan 370Z General Discussions 176 07-06-2009 03:02 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2