Motortrend tests 2015 Nismo 370Z

RicerX · 11-30-2014, 03:49 PM

This writeup is ok, until it gets to the closing remarks - then it becomes a completely terrible writeup.

Author compares the car to a BRZ and a base Mustang in an effort to illustrate how he feels the car is overpriced. That is completely retarded. If you want to compare base to base, then let's talk about the base Z being $29k vs a $25k Mustang or $25k BRZ. Not a base Mustang or BRZ being compared to a NISMO Z. Completely stupid, mailed-in comparison.

A Mustang GT with Track pack is the only Mustang out there right now similarly equipped to a NISMO Z (LSD, Forged wheels, upgraded brakes and seats), and then you're talking nearly $40k if not more (I don't recall off the top of my head, but it's a hell of a lot closer comparison than the clown that wrote the article).

I don't have a problem with any of the other stuff he said in the article. What pisses me off is, like so many other people that bash the Zs pricing, this guy is right in line with terrible logic in comparing the Z to any other car - not understanding the market in which it sits, and furthermore, he is not educated enough on market segmentation, product portfolios, or product differentiation. A base Mustang with an open diff and Ford Fusion wheels and brakes should be priced $15k underneath this car. There will be enough evidence to support that if you were to test drive the two next to each other on their figure 8 track.

I cannot stand misinformation due to laziness, and this article is a prime example of why.

MC · 11-30-2014, 09:25 PM

I sort of agree with parts of the closing sentiment. Im really looking for a good solid daily driver next year I can autocross and really use like a normal car ( which is something I cant with my current car) not to mention I want to get back into a Z after 6 years off and not just any Z but it must be a NISMO.

I really like the looks ( although it needs the previous year wing) but mid 40's for the performance it offers really makes the part about fun but hard to justify buying ring true.

we are so close to the end of the Z34 life cycle and Nissan knows they have to really rethink the platform to stay competitive or honestly become competitive again. so I love the car would kill for one in black but its hard to pull a 45-46K trigger on mediocre performance from a car that is in the final lines of its swan song. If I could drive one everyday I would pick it over most cars under 60-70K but having to pay the price of admission for what it is..is a little tough to swallow. another problem is there is hardly any dealer margin in these cars. dealer cost to MSRP is like 4K. I can get one of these for straight dealer cost and it is still pushing over 40K at that.

If anything this makes me horribly regret getting rid of my 2007 NISMO 350z.

almost have to wait and see what a Z35 or Z35 NISMO offers at this point

and again that is hard to say as I really want one of these cars and my heart says yes but I step back and think about it and the logical side tells me to sit tight and wait

Duc_Z09 · 12-01-2014, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MC

and again that is hard to say as I really want one of these cars and my heart says yes but I step back and think about it and the logical side tells me to sit tight and wait

IMO these kinds of cars are purchased with your heart, not logic.

Logically I should have bought that Mustang GT that was 2 years newer, 15k miles younger, and $2k cheaper. But here we are.

tnav · 11-30-2014, 11:12 PM

I find it crazy to read over and over how the Nismo is always slower than the base model tested the first year the car comes out, same was the story with the 350z.

The 235i is a hell of a car, but it's a sports coupe, to me the feel you get from driving the Z is unique and not to be compared with anything else out there.

I am finally done (so I think) with upgrades on my car and I can't get enough of it, the car feel so sick I can't describe it. I did drop $5k in upgrades. I think if I wanted to upgrade a BMW with similar parts, it would probably run me a good 50-100% more. I absolutely love older M cars, and all the new Coupe and Sedan BMWs, but none are sports cars, I don't care of any all-purpose cars.

dislimn · 12-01-2014, 10:10 AM

I almost bought an m235i but decided I'd rather have a 370Z AND a WRX.

Jordo! · 12-01-2014, 03:29 PM

If I am not impressed with the Z35, I'll probably get a gently used '15 Nismo at some point and then just tune, add better shocks/springs, etc. and that will fix it.

I think at the end of the day, Nissan never quite gives it enough extra power or grip to overcome the heavier body kit... so it tends to be equal to or less than the sport pack in real world performance despite the better bracing, exhaust, and such.

Which is kind of a shame...

ElVee · 12-02-2014, 04:51 PM

1. The author falls apart, as mentioned already, at the end when he compares the Nismo with base Genesis and Mustangs as well as the BRZ. Did he not notice there is a 370Z base model that competes more favorably? Fail.

2. The Z hasn't had a major update since 2009. When it came out, it beat the Mustang/Camaros that were out, the BRZ/FRS wasn't on the horizon, and was compared favorably to the Porsche Boxster, Corvette, or Z4/TTS while at a cheaper price point. All of these other cars have had very major updates since then, and rightly have passed the stagnant Z by. No surprise there, but it's a minor fail to miss that bit of history.

The Z, even without the Nismo package, still turns heads today, though. But unless you have money to spare or spend your spare time at a track (or just have your heart sold to it), the Nismo is priced too high for what you can do with it on the public roads.

Then again, comparable BMW and Audi and even Hyundai vehicles still hover in the same range and sneak higher. If you're still cross-shopped favorably with your limited production vehicle, why bother making it a huge priority to sink dev into? The vehicles the Z is compared to have changed and shifted around, but it still has a market.

Montez · 12-02-2014, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElVee

1. The author falls apart, as mentioned already, at the end when he compares the Nismo with base Genesis and Mustangs as well as the BRZ. Did he not notice there is a 370Z base model that competes more favorably? Fail.

2. The Z hasn't had a major update since 2009. When it came out, it beat the Mustang/Camaros that were out, the BRZ/FRS wasn't on the horizon, and was compared favorably to the Porsche Boxster, Corvette, or Z4/TTS while at a cheaper price point. All of these other cars have had very major updates since then, and rightly have passed the stagnant Z by. No surprise there, but it's a minor fail to miss that bit of history.

The Z, even without the Nismo package, still turns heads today, though. But unless you have money to spare or spend your spare time at a track (or just have your heart sold to it), the Nismo is priced too high for what you can do with it on the public roads.

Then again, comparable BMW and Audi and even Hyundai vehicles still hover in the same range and sneak higher. If you're still cross-shopped favorably with your limited production vehicle, why bother making it a huge priority to sink dev into? The vehicles the Z is compared to have changed and shifted around, but it still has a market.

I like your post, but in 2009 the 370 did not compare favorably to the Vette performance wise. The C6 was/is a much better performer!

RicerX · 12-03-2014, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montez

I like your post, but in 2009 the 370 did not compare favorably to the Vette performance wise. The C6 was/is a much better performer!

He's talking in the scope of value for dollar, methinks - performance isn't the only piece of the puzzle.

If you're talking build quality, I'd take any Nissan over any GM, CVTs included. If you're talking Z vs Corvette on interior, I'd even take a non-Touring Z over any C6, especially when you figured in new-for-new pricetags in 2009. The C6 Corvette's interior was complete and utter garbage for a $50k+ car. You thought Subaru interiors reeked of plastic?

Then when you get to performance and think about how much more car you're getting for the extra money it takes to get into a Corvette from a Z (in 2009, because that's what he was talking about), I found it to be marginally better. I'd take a Porsche with the extra money, but when it comes down to it, for some people, the Corvette may be like looking at pre-Kanye Kim Kardashian compared to, say, post-cocaine Lindsay Lohan in anything else sporty. It may just do it for you in some ways nothing else can.

Roll tide.

ElVee · 12-03-2014, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Montez

I like your post, but in 2009 the 370 did not compare favorably to the Vette performance wise. The C6 was/is a much better performer!

You're right.

That's certainly my bias coming forward, as I've disliked the Corvette until the C7. But it does seem like plenty of people start out with the Z as a cheaper alternative to the Corvette, until they realize they can not only afford it but they do want the power.

Montez · 12-03-2014, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElVee

You're right.

That's certainly my bias coming forward, as I've disliked the Corvette until the C7. But it does seem like plenty of people start out with the Z as a cheaper alternative to the Corvette, until they realize they can not only afford it but they do want the power.

Gothcha man!

dislimn · 12-02-2014, 05:02 PM

True story: Even a 10 year old 350Z makes someone look like a baller.

Nargrakhan · 12-03-2014, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dislimn

True story: Even a 10 year old 350Z makes someone look like a baller.

True Fact: Every time a 370Z is started, an immaculate conception occurs.

KrisL · 12-03-2014, 12:38 PM

Drove my 15 Nismo off the lot on 09/15/14. Have driven it every day since. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and I can't help but take a moment to check it out every time I see it parked somewhere. I get compliments from random people at least 2-3 times a week.

Was it the most cost effective purchase when looking at performance to dollar ratio? Absolutely not. But I have fun every time I'm in my car, which I've never been able to say before. No regrets.

cigarclifford · 12-03-2014, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrisL

Drove my 15 Nismo off the lot on 09/15/14. Have driven it every day since. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and I can't help but take a moment to check it out every time I see it parked somewhere. I get compliments from random people at least 2-3 times a week.

Was it the most cost effective purchase when looking at performance to dollar ratio? Absolutely not. But I have fun every time I'm in my car, which I've never been able to say before. No regrets.

Greeting's KrisL,

nice to see and read your post today and were all glad your here with us on
the 370Z forum. Your post reminds me of my own situation. Although it
was way back in July of 2010 I purchased my 2010 Pearl White Nismo, I'm
at about 72,000 miles and as well the smile and the pride of daily driving
my Nismo never diminishes....We are all here on the forum because
we all love and enjoy are 370Z sports cars, be it a base, stock, modified,
or a extreme build we all share the same passion at the end of the day....

forum brother -Clifford

11-30-2014, 03:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
RicerX Track Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: TN Posts: 597 Drives: To the Pizza joint. Rep Power: 7721	This writeup is ok, until it gets to the closing remarks - then it becomes a completely terrible writeup. Author compares the car to a BRZ and a base Mustang in an effort to illustrate how he feels the car is overpriced. That is completely retarded. If you want to compare base to base, then let's talk about the base Z being $29k vs a $25k Mustang or $25k BRZ. Not a base Mustang or BRZ being compared to a NISMO Z. Completely stupid, mailed-in comparison. A Mustang GT with Track pack is the only Mustang out there right now similarly equipped to a NISMO Z (LSD, Forged wheels, upgraded brakes and seats), and then you're talking nearly $40k if not more (I don't recall off the top of my head, but it's a hell of a lot closer comparison than the clown that wrote the article). I don't have a problem with any of the other stuff he said in the article. What pisses me off is, like so many other people that bash the Zs pricing, this guy is right in line with terrible logic in comparing the Z to any other car - not understanding the market in which it sits, and furthermore, he is not educated enough on market segmentation, product portfolios, or product differentiation. A base Mustang with an open diff and Ford Fusion wheels and brakes should be priced $15k underneath this car. There will be enough evidence to support that if you were to test drive the two next to each other on their figure 8 track. I cannot stand misinformation due to laziness, and this article is a prime example of why. Jordo!, xxAGAVExx, Drakonis GTR and 4 others like this.

11-30-2014, 09:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
MC Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,238 Drives: 2015 GTR NISMO Rep Power: 24	I sort of agree with parts of the closing sentiment. Im really looking for a good solid daily driver next year I can autocross and really use like a normal car ( which is something I cant with my current car) not to mention I want to get back into a Z after 6 years off and not just any Z but it must be a NISMO. I really like the looks ( although it needs the previous year wing) but mid 40's for the performance it offers really makes the part about fun but hard to justify buying ring true. we are so close to the end of the Z34 life cycle and Nissan knows they have to really rethink the platform to stay competitive or honestly become competitive again. so I love the car would kill for one in black but its hard to pull a 45-46K trigger on mediocre performance from a car that is in the final lines of its swan song. If I could drive one everyday I would pick it over most cars under 60-70K but having to pay the price of admission for what it is..is a little tough to swallow. another problem is there is hardly any dealer margin in these cars. dealer cost to MSRP is like 4K. I can get one of these for straight dealer cost and it is still pushing over 40K at that. If anything this makes me horribly regret getting rid of my 2007 NISMO 350z. almost have to wait and see what a Z35 or Z35 NISMO offers at this point and again that is hard to say as I really want one of these cars and my heart says yes but I step back and think about it and the logical side tells me to sit tight and wait Drakonis GTR, /Angelo350Z/, cigarclifford and 2 others like this. __________________ 2015 GT-R N1SMO "THE ONE" Instagram MCGTRN1SMO Youtube MCGTRNISMO Last edited by MC; 12-01-2014 at 12:26 AM.

12-01-2014, 10:10 AM	#5 (permalink)
dislimn Base Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: AR Posts: 101 Drives: 14 Z Sport 6 speed Rep Power: 21	I almost bought an m235i but decided I'd rather have a 370Z AND a WRX. exedy699 likes this.

12-01-2014, 03:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 418	If I am not impressed with the Z35, I'll probably get a gently used '15 Nismo at some point and then just tune, add better shocks/springs, etc. and that will fix it. I think at the end of the day, Nissan never quite gives it enough extra power or grip to overcome the heavier body kit... so it tends to be equal to or less than the sport pack in real world performance despite the better bracing, exhaust, and such. Which is kind of a shame... RicerX likes this. __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

12-02-2014, 04:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
ElVee Track Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Iowa Posts: 750 Drives: 13 370z 7at t+s grey Rep Power: 17	1. The author falls apart, as mentioned already, at the end when he compares the Nismo with base Genesis and Mustangs as well as the BRZ. Did he not notice there is a 370Z base model that competes more favorably? Fail. 2. The Z hasn't had a major update since 2009. When it came out, it beat the Mustang/Camaros that were out, the BRZ/FRS wasn't on the horizon, and was compared favorably to the Porsche Boxster, Corvette, or Z4/TTS while at a cheaper price point. All of these other cars have had very major updates since then, and rightly have passed the stagnant Z by. No surprise there, but it's a minor fail to miss that bit of history. The Z, even without the Nismo package, still turns heads today, though. But unless you have money to spare or spend your spare time at a track (or just have your heart sold to it), the Nismo is priced too high for what you can do with it on the public roads. Then again, comparable BMW and Audi and even Hyundai vehicles still hover in the same range and sneak higher. If you're still cross-shopped favorably with your limited production vehicle, why bother making it a huge priority to sink dev into? The vehicles the Z is compared to have changed and shifted around, but it still has a market. Drakonis GTR and BC416 like this.

11-30-2014, 11:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
tnav Enthusiast Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: SoCal Posts: 316 Drives: 2012 370z Silver 6sp Rep Power: 12	I find it crazy to read over and over how the Nismo is always slower than the base model tested the first year the car comes out, same was the story with the 350z. The 235i is a hell of a car, but it's a sports coupe, to me the feel you get from driving the Z is unique and not to be compared with anything else out there. I am finally done (so I think) with upgrades on my car and I can't get enough of it, the car feel so sick I can't describe it. I did drop $5k in upgrades. I think if I wanted to upgrade a BMW with similar parts, it would probably run me a good 50-100% more. I absolutely love older M cars, and all the new Coupe and Sedan BMWs, but none are sports cars, I don't care of any all-purpose cars.

12-02-2014, 05:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
dislimn Base Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: AR Posts: 101 Drives: 14 Z Sport 6 speed Rep Power: 21	True story: Even a 10 year old 350Z makes someone look like a baller.

12-03-2014, 12:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
KrisL Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 129 Drives: 2015 NISMO Tech 7AT Rep Power: 11	Drove my 15 Nismo off the lot on 09/15/14. Have driven it every day since. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it and I can't help but take a moment to check it out every time I see it parked somewhere. I get compliments from random people at least 2-3 times a week. Was it the most cost effective purchase when looking at performance to dollar ratio? Absolutely not. But I have fun every time I'm in my car, which I've never been able to say before. No regrets. Magic Bus and cigarclifford like this. __________________ 2015 NISMO Tech 7AT Pearl White \| Fast Intentions TDX CBE w/ 18" Res \| Fast Intentions HFC \| Stillen G3 CAI \| UpRev \|

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