Now U Can Hate Me - 370z v 350z

dad · 09-01-2009, 06:38 PM

chubbs, thank you for your honest, truthful opinion.

shabarivas · 09-01-2009, 06:45 PM

Ha ha - I take it you also dont like paddle shifters ... and power steering... its evolution of the game... you either evolve or you die (in this case - get slower lap times when compared to yourself in a parallel universe where you did like the SRM)

FricFrac · 09-01-2009, 07:15 PM

I just have to blurt out that the 370Z for me absolutely inspires confidence on the track. I just had my first track day yesterday and after the instructor drove my car I was seriously stunned at what it could do. He encouraged me to get on the throttle and let the car hook up instead of coasting through some of the corners. I was amazed at how this car performs and really felt that I could drive it a lot harder and there was still lots left. You get no perspective of what this car is capable of on the street without driving in an extremely dangerous fashion (for the streets of course). Oh yea mine is a Sports with a completely stock suspension. Take a 350Z and a 370Z on the track and then tell us what you think....

Keatonus · 09-01-2009, 07:27 PM

This is rather interesting. Although when I drove the 350Z I thought it lacked strength the 300ZXTT had And I thought the 350Z looked like a girls car...but that's just my opinion.

I like your review though, as it's not just nuthugging the 370Z and actually brings up issues. Besides "omg I drove the 370Z and it's awesome, nothing is wrong" Thank you for that =]

Ellz · 09-01-2009, 09:10 PM

I agree with the review. I'm still used to my 04 350z's "stiff" suspension. All the car mags went on about how stiff the ride was in the 04 model.

I thought it was perfect and didnt bother with aftermarket shocks. Now hopping in the 370 i feel its too soft (suspension). I'm not taking corners as fast and im now considering some aftermarket Teins.

I am now reminded what body roll is and when snapping it into 2nd and feeling the car lean forward.

The car isn't perfect, but soon it will be for me.

zman1910 · 09-01-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NIZMOZ

My impressions match yours with the NISMO 370z I drove. Mine was stiffer, and handled better over it when I drove one. Was not impressed. I went in expecting to be impressed though and was sad I wasn't.

This I agree with. I've driven both the Nismo 350 and 370 for an extended period of time and the 350 just felt more raw by comparison as if it was setup for the track. I loved the car but wasn't willing to deal with it's appearance.

The Nismo 370 is much more tame in the styling department, but I felt like it's lacking the Nismo treatment which was very apparent in the 350. It's more of an appearance package this time around. That raw factor is gone.

As a result, it turned out to be a no go on both occasions. Sometimes you just can't win....I think a base model may be in the works for me but not until the 2nd year model arrives.

Island_370 · 09-01-2009, 09:39 PM

I wonder if the "poor" handling was a result of the high tire pressure issue that some of us have had. My tires were ~10psi high when I took delivery. As you would expect, it had a big effect on handling.

SgtGoldy · 09-01-2009, 09:47 PM

The handling... Worse? wtf...

man you gotta truly drive it then

try the nismo... OMFG I just came in my pants thinking about how well she handles corners

355890 · 09-01-2009, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

Firstly, apologies for my recent absence from this excellent forum - I'm in the middle of moving house and it's taking up all of my time. But enough of that, let's get to the point...

Thanks to my friend who is THE BEST Nissan dealer in the south of England, last weekend I combined the annual servicing of my 350z with a 3 hour test drive of one of his 370z's (and one of his GTR's - but more of that later).

I approached the test drive wanting to love the 370z because I really like its looks (it has only been available here in the UK for a few weeks). I have owned 350z's since 2004, so I know what I want from a Z car...

1. THE LOOKS -
I love how the exterior of the 370z looks - lower, more squat, wider, shorter, more curvaceous. Nissan may have only shaved a few inches here and there, but man have they made a difference.
The only thing I don't like about the exterior styling is the rear wheel arch. It's too big, fat and cumbersome. The rest is good.

I also like the interior, but it was slightly underwhelming. It looks like they've taken the 350z plastics and put a few tarty leather bits on top. My son laughed at the 'cycle helmets' they've glued onto the tops of the 3 dashboard dials - and I too cannot see why they are there. He hates the suede - personally, I can see why it's there (less slippage!).
Inside, I love the slope of the tops of the doors - ergonomically good.
Bose stereo (I was driving the posh model) - adequate, just like the 350z Bose.

Overall, I think the 370z looks good, but I must say that it doesn't eclipse my 350z - which also looks pretty damn tasty

2. THE DRIVE -
People have complained about the sound of the 370z compared to the SOUND OF THE 350z, so the first thing I did was to listen.... and to be honest, I think the 370z sounds fcucking BRILLIANT. My 350z sounds lovely, but all the sound comes from the exhaust - it's a sound that turns heads on the street. BUT, although the sound from the 370z isn't a 'street-head-turner', it's so much more meaty. The sound you get in the 370z cabin is the sound of a powerful engine, not a loud exhaust. I must say that as I drove along I thought, "this sounds like a Porsche".
...so you don't hate me yet - please read on...

The handling IS CR@P - TOTAL CR@P. At low speeds the 370z feels just like my 2006 350z - no different at all - fairly comfortable, but you can feel all the bumps in the road. I can live with this because of my car's high speed handling. At high speeds (and this is where it matters to me), I had no confidence in the 370z - it floated, it lurched, it rolled, it made me feel that I had to slow down, which I did (even though I was on my private road

). At 120+mph my 350z hugs the road, it just sits there and it goes exactly where I tell it to go - even at 100+mph this 370z felt dangerous (please don't tell me to check the tyre pressures, they were ok). I sooo wanted to like the 370z, but the high speed handling (or lack of it) killed it for me.

In the UK a 370z costs the equivalent of $60,000 and I would only get the equivalent of $30,000 for my lovely 350z, so the 370z needs to be good and I'm sorry, but it just wasn't quite good enough

BUT...

I got a ride in a GTR

Although I couldn't drive it, being the passenger was... nice! This car KILLS. We pulled nearly 1.5 lateral G on a roundabout (turning circle) - we stopped from 100mph to zero in NO TIME AT ALL - we accelerated so fast that I was pinned to my seat, etc etc. Unfortunately the servicing costs are bad - they recommend $250 per month (UK prices) so that the servicing bill doesn't give you a heart attack (the GTR has to be serviced every 6 months). I love that car, but I don't think I can afford to run it.

SUMMARY - I like the 370z'd looks (although I think they've made it a bit too lardy and comfortable), but HATE its poor handling. Nissan have fcucked up the suspension.

So I'm stuck.

Help - I have a bit of profit from the sale of my house. What do I do? Keep my 3 year old 350z and supercharge it? Get a new car that's not a 370z? Wait until the MY10 370z comes out and replace the suspension immediately? I'm stuck - help!!!

Sorry mate but I have to disagree with you.

Suspension comments I agree with, but that's an easy fix.

Cheers....

ChrisSlicks · 09-01-2009, 10:20 PM

Chubbs,

Sway bars make a world of difference at high speed in this car. It feels far more planted at confident taking corners at 90+ mph thanks to the body roll being all but eliminated.

If you could drive someones car that has sway bars installed I think you would be impressed. It is a very cheap fix.

frost · 09-01-2009, 10:27 PM

Chubbs, you crazy

ZKindaGuy · 09-01-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

I also like the interior, but it was slightly underwhelming. It looks like they've taken the 350z plastics and put a few tarty leather bits on top. My son laughed at the 'cycle helmets' they've glued onto the tops of the 3 dashboard dials - and I too cannot see why they are there. He hates the suede - personally, I can see why it's there (less slippage!).
Inside, I love the slope of the tops of the doors - ergonomically good.
Bose stereo (I was driving the posh model) - adequate, just like the 350z Bose.

First off let me say I owned a 2007 350Z for 2 years and my 370Z for about 4 months now...so I think my rebuff of your "observations" holds more weight than your brief encounter.

Tell your son his "cycle helmets" are to prevent the blue-tinted glass from reflecting the light which can prevent the dials from being read during the day. And just to let you know even my 350Z had the 'cycle helmet' guages. If yours didn't then you must of just bought the base package.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

Overall, I think the 370z looks good, but I must say that it doesn't eclipse my 350z - which also looks pretty damn tasty

That's pure

. Having had both the 350Z looked and handled like an idea...but the 370Z looks like the idea came true but fully refined in looks and handling. I have had the 370Z at about a dozen shows so far and it has received more compliments than my 350Z ever did doing 2 years of shows.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

The handling IS CR@P - TOTAL CR@P. At low speeds the 370z feels just like my 2006 350z - no different at all - fairly comfortable, but you can feel all the bumps in the road. I can live with this because of my car's high speed handling. At high speeds (and this is where it matters to me), I had no confidence in the 370z - it floated, it lurched, it rolled, it made me feel that I had to slow down, which I did (even though I was on my private road

). At 120+mph my 350z hugs the road, it just sits there and it goes exactly where I tell it to go - even at 100+mph this 370z felt dangerous (please don't tell me to check the tyre pressures, they were ok). I sooo wanted to like the 370z, but the high speed handling (or lack of it) killed it for me.

I have driven the 370Z into clover leafs at 70 MPH and held the curves without drift or roll. So again you must have bought just the base model 350Z as teh 370 Z Touring + Sport blows away the 350Z in regards to stability and handling.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

..... so the 370z needs to be good and I'm sorry, but it just wasn't quite good enough

I'm sorry but I would agree with you if you were even the slightest bit correct in your assessment but I'm sorry, your assessment just wasn't quite good enough....

GingaBreadMan · 09-01-2009, 11:11 PM

Were you driving with both hands? The reason why I ask is because when I first purchased my 370z I thought the car felt very unstable. I always drove my cars with one hand on the wheel but when you sit in the 370 that can not be done. As soon as I started driving with both hands the car felt well planted. When ever I drive aggressively the hands are at 10 and 2.

antennahead · 09-02-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chupacabra

I will have to agree with chubbs. The 370 does not inspire confidence at high speeds. It feels as though its going to roll and float. I am pretty sure if you stick with it through the turn you find out that its ok, but that's not the point.

My previous car Mini Cooper, felt ALOT tighter and more stable than the z, partly yeah short wheel base, but still.

maybe its the production version, and there are different settings.

I traded in a 2006 350Z on my 370. I understand where you are coming from. It took me a while to adjust to the different feel of the car..... and there is definitely a different feel. I also thought the car felt a little "floaty" at first, and was not happy with the body roll. Now that I have owned my 370 for 5 months, I think the initial "floaty" feel was just a little more "compliant but planted" ride. I tried to drive it like the 350 at first, and it took me a little while to adapt/adjust to the 370........ now I feel it is very easy to drive quickly/at speed with confidence. I think if you spent a little more time in one Chubbs, you might agree with this assessment. I will add though, that I have decided that I need aftermarket sways. I want to dial out that little bit of body roll, that in the factory delivered form is just a little too much for me. I think the car will be perfect (for me as a daily driver) when I add the Stillen sway bars and 15mm spacers.

John

mrmixitup · 09-02-2009, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chubbs

The handling IS CR@P - TOTAL CR@P. At low speeds the 370z feels just like my 2006 350z - no different at all - fairly comfortable, but you can feel all the bumps in the road. I can live with this because of my car's high speed handling. At high speeds (and this is where it matters to me), I had no confidence in the 370z - it floated, it lurched, it rolled, it made me feel that I had to slow down, which I did (even though I was on my private road

). At 120+mph my 350z hugs the road, it just sits there and it goes exactly where I tell it to go - even at 100+mph this 370z felt dangerous (please don't tell me to check the tyre pressures, they were ok). I sooo wanted to like the 370z, but the high speed handling (or lack of it) killed it for me.

Buy a Cayman S. You won't regret it.

09-01-2009, 06:38 PM	#31 (permalink)
dad Grand Prix of Endurance Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,476 Drives: Mulsanne Straight Rep Power: 26	chubbs, thank you for your honest, truthful opinion. __________________ We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

09-01-2009, 07:15 PM	#33 (permalink)
FricFrac A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1,481 Drives: 370Z 300ZX 280ZX 240 Rep Power: 228	I just have to blurt out that the 370Z for me absolutely inspires confidence on the track. I just had my first track day yesterday and after the instructor drove my car I was seriously stunned at what it could do. He encouraged me to get on the throttle and let the car hook up instead of coasting through some of the corners. I was amazed at how this car performs and really felt that I could drive it a lot harder and there was still lots left. You get no perspective of what this car is capable of on the street without driving in an extremely dangerous fashion (for the streets of course). Oh yea mine is a Sports with a completely stock suspension. Take a 350Z and a 370Z on the track and then tell us what you think.... __________________ '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 //

09-01-2009, 09:10 PM	#35 (permalink)
Ellz Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Australia Posts: 103 Drives: 370z 6MT Black Rep Power: 16	I agree with the review. I'm still used to my 04 350z's "stiff" suspension. All the car mags went on about how stiff the ride was in the 04 model. I thought it was perfect and didnt bother with aftermarket shocks. Now hopping in the 370 i feel its too soft (suspension). I'm not taking corners as fast and im now considering some aftermarket Teins. I am now reminded what body roll is and when snapping it into 2nd and feeling the car lean forward. The car isn't perfect, but soon it will be for me. __________________ Stillen G3 CAI \| 19" Volk GTC's \| F.I Exhaust & Hi flow cats \| Rubber Ducky

09-01-2009, 09:39 PM	#37 (permalink)
Island_370 Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 228 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z SR M6 Rep Power: 16	I wonder if the "poor" handling was a result of the high tire pressure issue that some of us have had. My tires were ~10psi high when I took delivery. As you would expect, it had a big effect on handling. __________________ Autobahn Country Club (North and South Tracks), Blackhawk Farms, Grattan, Gingerman, Mid-Ohio, Putnam Park, Road America, Sears Point, Thunderhill, VIR and "The Ring"

09-01-2009, 09:47 PM	#38 (permalink)
SgtGoldy A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 3,503 Drives: C63 AMG - LSD Rep Power: 650	The handling... Worse? wtf... man you gotta truly drive it then try the nismo... OMFG I just came in my pants thinking about how well she handles corners __________________ C63 AMG LSD - Straight Pipe - EuroCharge v5 - Vossen CV7 - IG: @SuperFastYo

09-01-2009, 06:45 PM	#32 (permalink)
shabarivas A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,188 Drives: 370z MB 6mt Rep Power: 914	Ha ha - I take it you also dont like paddle shifters ... and power steering... its evolution of the game... you either evolve or you die (in this case - get slower lap times when compared to yourself in a parallel universe where you did like the SRM)

09-01-2009, 07:27 PM	#34 (permalink)
Keatonus Base Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 5 Drives: 91 Nissan 300ZX TT Rep Power: 16	This is rather interesting. Although when I drove the 350Z I thought it lacked strength the 300ZXTT had And I thought the 350Z looked like a girls car...but that's just my opinion. I like your review though, as it's not just nuthugging the 370Z and actually brings up issues. Besides "omg I drove the 370Z and it's awesome, nothing is wrong" Thank you for that =]

09-01-2009, 10:20 PM	#40 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	Chubbs, Sway bars make a world of difference at high speed in this car. It feels far more planted at confident taking corners at 90+ mph thanks to the body roll being all but eliminated. If you could drive someones car that has sway bars installed I think you would be impressed. It is a very cheap fix.

09-01-2009, 10:27 PM	#41 (permalink)
frost Retired admin Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Winterfell Posts: 106,613 Drives: Your Wife Crazy Rep Power: 0	Chubbs, you crazy

09-01-2009, 11:11 PM	#43 (permalink)
GingaBreadMan Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: New York Posts: 313 Drives: 09 370z Sport 6spd Rep Power: 16	Were you driving with both hands? The reason why I ask is because when I first purchased my 370z I thought the car felt very unstable. I always drove my cars with one hand on the wheel but when you sit in the 370 that can not be done. As soon as I started driving with both hands the car felt well planted. When ever I drive aggressively the hands are at 10 and 2.

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