2009 Nissan 370z vs 1996 Toyota Supra

ImportConvert · 03-09-2011, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TongMan

Hey guys, a couple buddies of mine were just hanging out and the topic of comparing RWD sports cars from Japan was brought up as they were admiring my 370z. In modern times, there really isn't a car worthy of competing with the Nissan 370z. The RX-8 is garbage. The Genesis Coupe 3.8 is from Korea. The Mustang/Challenger/Camaro are domestic muscle cars. Out from Japan, there is no competitor. But we could have missed something.

So we go back and bring back the good 'ol six cylinder twin turbos from back in the days. We have the 300zx TT, Mitsubishi 3000GT TT, Toyota Supra TT, and the RX7 TT. These four cars were the king of the hill back in the 90's. If you wanted a fast car, these were the ones.

So we try to compare them with the Nissan 370z. Specifically comparing two totally stock cars: the 1996 Toyota Supra vs the 2009 Nissan 370z. What is your opinion on which is faster around the track and which is quicker through the quarter mile.

1996 Toyota Supra
Engine liters 3.0
Turbo/supercharged Standard
Cylinder configuration I-6
# of valves 24
Recommended fuel premium unleaded
Limited slip differential Standard
Fuel economy city 19 mpg
Fuel economy highway 23 mpg
Fuel tank capacity 18 gal.
Engine displacement 183 cu.in.
Engine horsepower 320-hp @ 5,600RPM
Engine torque 315 lb.-ft. @ 4,000RPM
Curb Weight 3,485 lbs
MSRP $50,400

2009 Nissan 370z
Engine liters 3.7
Turbo/supercharged N/A
Cylinder configuration V-6
# of valves 24
Recommended fuel premium unleaded
Limited slip differential Standard
Fuel economy city 18 mpg
Fuel economy highway 26 mpg
Fuel tank capacity 19 gal.
Engine displacement 226 cu.in.
Engine horsepower 332-hp @ 7,000RPM
Engine torque 270 lb.-ft. @ 5,200RPM
Curb Weight 3,232 lbs
MSRP $29,930

I think the Nissan 370z wins in every category.

Except that part about performance/driving.

http://mkiv.com/publications/road&tr...3/rt393_06.jpg

here is another one. $37K as-tested.
http://mkiv.com/publications/motor_t...d-Mar-93-4.jpg

http://mkiv.com/publications/car&dri...3/6-cd3-93.jpg

4.6--------- 0-60,
13.1@109--- 1/4 mile
68.5mph---- 700' Slalom
.98g-------- 200' Skidpad
29.9sec---- 0-150
70-0-------149'

You find me documented (like above) tests that show the 370Z beating these figures. You can combine best single features from a test, etc. just like I did, but find a 370Z test showing better than the performance offered by the MKIV Turbo Supra. I dare you.

The MKIV Supra was a better performing car, even on mid 90's rubber. The only test I think you can find the 370Z doing better in is the 200' Skidpad and the 700' Slalom, but it won't be a landslide.

Here is what I found for a 2009 370Z:
http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...61a7a3bb51.pdf

0-60--- 5.1 (I have seen faster, I think 4.7)
70-0---151' (This is close to tops here from what I have read)
0-150---35.1 (ouch. No way you are going to find an example over 5 seconds faster, Supra owned it hard.)
1/4 mile---13.7@104 (I have seen better, but no 13.1@109's)
.98g----300' skidpad (I have seen .99 tested before)

shadoquad · 03-09-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Except that part about performance/driving.

http://mkiv.com/publications/road&tr...3/rt393_06.jpg

here is another one. $37K as-tested.
http://mkiv.com/publications/motor_t...d-Mar-93-4.jpg

Basically, it has been nearly 20 years and the only thing the 370Z seems to do better is about .2-4 seconds faster to 60mph on its newer compound tires.

I'm going to play devil's advocate here and say that if no real progress has been made in 20 years, that's a resounding loss.

MKIV FTW!

to be fair, some of the "progress" we've experienced over the years has made our vehicles slower. All the computer hardware, the safety features that have added weight... It's a lot. In fact, it's why we have the hp wars we currently have. Got to move the whales faster.

Also, I know that the Z isn't your cup of tea, but on a daily basis, how much more do you need than 0-60 in 5 seconds and 332bhp? I know that you crave more, but not everyone does.

ImportConvert · 03-09-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

to be fair, some of the "progress" we've experienced over the years has made our vehicles slower. All the computer hardware, the safety features that have added weight... It's a lot. In fact, it's why we have the hp wars we currently have. Got to move the whales faster.

Also, I know that the Z isn't your cup of tea, but on a daily basis, how much more do you need than 0-60 in 5 seconds and 332bhp? I know that you crave more, but not everyone does.

In my daily commute, 0-60 in 10 seconds works well enough in my G20.

Why would you need 5-seconds?

These cars are about WANT, not need. That is my point. The OP was comparing the Supra to the 370Z, and stating that the 370Z "won in every category". To me, 0-60 is a category, one of performance.

I agree the cars have gotten heavier, but the MKIV was heavier than the 370Z is. Also, all that technology and the lighter weight and the 370Z still isn't out handling or out braking the Supra. They handle and stop so close to each other that it's a wash in my opinion. Same for their 0-60's. Where the Supra stomps on the Z is after they get rolling.

Both are nice cars, and I would rather own a new 370Z than a used MKIV, but I'm just saying I disagreed with the OP's assessment.

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