Now U Can Hate Me - 370z v 350z

chubbs · 09-01-2009, 04:17 PM

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!!!

xiven · 09-01-2009, 04:21 PM

the handling was crap? must not have been the sport

billydsz · 09-01-2009, 04:24 PM

LOL you're kidding right? I have the touring coupe in an 05 350 and an 09 370 and the 350 feels like a toy in comparison.

This has to be a joke.

zman1910 · 09-01-2009, 04:25 PM

About the handling......I'm stunned you would say that.

I've had an 04 Z, an 06 Z and a G coupe and while stable at high speeds.....the 370z felt even more so to me. Don't really know what to think about your situation. I would suggest giving it another chance in a different Z car.

chubbs · 09-01-2009, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xiven

the handling was crap? must not have been the sport

It was the sport (or UK equivalent).

billy - it's no joke mate - I really wanted to love the 370z.

zman - I respect your knowledge - maybe the European suspension setup suks.
edit - I think you're right, I should try another one.

billydsz · 09-01-2009, 04:33 PM

Truly bizarre and totally counter to my experience. Oh well I guess that's what make a horse race.

o0javi0o · 09-01-2009, 04:50 PM

That's called personal opinion and appreciation.
Some will like it, some not.

I still have my 07 350z, I've test drove several times the 370z Touring Sport Package, and in my very personal opinion, I really like it vs my 350z, even though I don't feel to much difference at cruising speeds, but I really feel the difference of stability in reference to my 350z . The 370z is more comfortable, more stylish, better materials at the interiors, and so and so. And I'll get my PG Touring Sport Package with orange interior 370z hopefully at the end of the year, beginning of 2010 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm love.

No hate, it is just personal opinion

PS: I like better, at this precise moment, the exhaust tone note of my 350z

Chupacabra · 09-01-2009, 04:56 PM

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.

SlikNik · 09-01-2009, 05:00 PM

It must be because they drive on the wrong side of the road over there. lol

AK370Z · 09-01-2009, 05:01 PM

Mr. Chubbs,

I'm very shocked at your impression on the suspension. It's my MOST favorite feature this new 370Z. The suspension is all aluminum and VERY responsive. Therefore, you feel all the bump in the road and it's a good thing

. I am going to guess you drove the sports model with wider tires. (?) Does your dealer have a Z with 18" base rims? give that a try and see if you like the thinner tires better.

Can I suggest 135i?

P.S. We will never hate you! You're our ambassador from England.

shabarivas · 09-01-2009, 05:05 PM

Sounds like you dont like to drive with body roll - while its not an indication of your cars limits - it is kind of scary to go into a turn rolling a lot - but... I am sure some well appointed sways will fix that and make the ride even better. The Z womps my G35 in the handling department - any day of the week.

DIGItonium · 09-01-2009, 05:06 PM

Ditto... the 370Z inspires so much more confidence over my '03 350Z. I don't know much about the difference with the '06, though. Definitely a good upgrade from the '03.

dcrew1x · 09-01-2009, 05:14 PM

Are you Jeremy Clarkson in real life?

C'mon now, it's a racing hen!

chubbs · 09-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Mr. Chubbs,

I'm very shocked at your impression on the suspension. It's my MOST favorite feature this new 370Z. The suspension is all aluminum and VERY responsive. Therefore, you feel all the bump in the road and it's a good thing

. I am going to guess you drove the sports model with wider tires. (?) Does your dealer have a Z with 18" base rims? give that a try and see if you like the thinner tires better.

Can I suggest 135i?

P.S. We will never hate you! You're our ambassador from England.

I haven't thanked you for the decals yet!

EVERYBODY - - - THIS GUY (AK) IS THE NICEST PERSON IN THE WORLD.... I woke up a couple of weeks ago, opened a letter and it contained a set of the370z.com decals. AK had sent them to me - just because he's a really nice person!!!

I haven't had time to put them on my 350z yet, but I will ...soon!

Thanks AK, you're a star!

ps - i appreciate the 135i suggestion, but no thanks!

pps - yes it had the bigger wheels and wider tyres, but they're exactly the same as on my 350z.

kdo2milger · 09-01-2009, 05:22 PM

too bad that was your first impression of the 370z chubbs...

i know how it goes...first impression is a last impression, but AK is right try another with different wheels maybe...

i also agree with AK, the suspension and handling of this new z is amazing to me...coming from a mustang mach1, this suspension smokes the mach so i dont really have much else to base my experience off of...

hopefully once you get moved and settled in youll reconsider

09-01-2009, 04:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
chubbs A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Zeeland Posts: 1,046 Drives: 2016 370z Auto-Grey Rep Power: 7586	Now U Can Hate Me - 370z v 350z 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!!! __________________ . '03 Grey >>> '06 Black >>>'10 Silver >>> '16 Grey ^ Last edited by chubbs; 09-01-2009 at 04:38 PM.

09-01-2009, 04:56 PM	#8 (permalink)
Chupacabra Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Weston, Florida Posts: 477 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z s M6 Rep Power: 200	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. __________________ Where are my aluminum pedals?

09-01-2009, 05:01 PM	#10 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	Mr. Chubbs, I'm very shocked at your impression on the suspension. It's my MOST favorite feature this new 370Z. The suspension is all aluminum and VERY responsive. Therefore, you feel all the bump in the road and it's a good thing . I am going to guess you drove the sports model with wider tires. (?) Does your dealer have a Z with 18" base rims? give that a try and see if you like the thinner tires better. Can I suggest 135i? P.S. We will never hate you! You're our ambassador from England. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

09-01-2009, 05:06 PM	#12 (permalink)
DIGItonium A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 3,800 Drives: 09 Z34-TT 6MT Rep Power: 43	Ditto... the 370Z inspires so much more confidence over my '03 350Z. I don't know much about the difference with the '06, though. Definitely a good upgrade from the '03. __________________

09-01-2009, 05:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
kdo2milger OG Priesthood Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Fargo, ND Posts: 17,859 Drives: NISMO T Rep Power: 59	too bad that was your first impression of the 370z chubbs... i know how it goes...first impression is a last impression, but AK is right try another with different wheels maybe... i also agree with AK, the suspension and handling of this new z is amazing to me...coming from a mustang mach1, this suspension smokes the mach so i dont really have much else to base my experience off of... hopefully once you get moved and settled in youll reconsider __________________ Project *NISMO*

09-01-2009, 04:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
xiven A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Atlanta Age: 44 Posts: 4,128 Drives: Cookie Monster Rep Power: 294	the handling was crap? must not have been the sport

09-01-2009, 04:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
billydsz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Bern Posts: 252 Drives: 9 370z SptCp SRd 7AT Rep Power: 16	LOL you're kidding right? I have the touring coupe in an 05 350 and an 09 370 and the 350 feels like a toy in comparison. This has to be a joke.

09-01-2009, 04:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
zman1910 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: FL Posts: 361 Drives: 2011 Audi S4 Rep Power: 429	About the handling......I'm stunned you would say that. I've had an 04 Z, an 06 Z and a G coupe and while stable at high speeds.....the 370z felt even more so to me. Don't really know what to think about your situation. I would suggest giving it another chance in a different Z car.

09-01-2009, 04:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
billydsz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Bern Posts: 252 Drives: 9 370z SptCp SRd 7AT Rep Power: 16	Truly bizarre and totally counter to my experience. Oh well I guess that's what make a horse race.

09-01-2009, 04:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
o0javi0o Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 458 Drives: '15 ///M3 6MT Rep Power: 17	That's called personal opinion and appreciation. Some will like it, some not. I still have my 07 350z, I've test drove several times the 370z Touring Sport Package, and in my very personal opinion, I really like it vs my 350z, even though I don't feel to much difference at cruising speeds, but I really feel the difference of stability in reference to my 350z . The 370z is more comfortable, more stylish, better materials at the interiors, and so and so. And I'll get my PG Touring Sport Package with orange interior 370z hopefully at the end of the year, beginning of 2010 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm love. No hate, it is just personal opinion PS: I like better, at this precise moment, the exhaust tone note of my 350z

09-01-2009, 05:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
SlikNik Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 294 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z51 Rep Power: 18	It must be because they drive on the wrong side of the road over there. lol

09-01-2009, 05:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
shabarivas A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,188 Drives: 370z MB 6mt Rep Power: 914	Sounds like you dont like to drive with body roll - while its not an indication of your cars limits - it is kind of scary to go into a turn rolling a lot - but... I am sure some well appointed sways will fix that and make the ride even better. The Z womps my G35 in the handling department - any day of the week.

09-01-2009, 05:14 PM	#13 (permalink)
dcrew1x Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 821 Drives: Graphite Bullet Rep Power: 369	Are you Jeremy Clarkson in real life? C'mon now, it's a racing hen!

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