Thinking about getting the Nismo.
 

I have few questions, hopefully you guys can help me out.
From what I researched. The 09-13 nismo are exactly the same. The 14 has minor exterior change like the black front lip, side skirts and spoiler. Then the 15 is having completely diff body kit and auto transmission. Other than that, from the 09-15, the engine and hp stay the same. I just want to confirm if all these information is correct from you guys. If I'm wrong or anything please feel free to let me know. I like to understand and get to know the Nismo a bit more before I made my purchase.
Cheers :)

2012 + also added a factory oil cooler, across all models.

mid 2011 and up don't have the dreaded steering lock.

Other 2015 differences:
- Lower axle ratio (for quicker acceleration)
- Recaro seats
- Tech package available, with Bose/Nav/Homelink/Backup Camera etc (i.e. touring features)
- Different wheels
- Interior plastic bits like door handles/locks/vents etc are a darker graphite color (maybe all 2015 Z's are like this?)
- Suspension is "retuned" - basically they dialed out a tiny bit of the harshness of the 2014 and prior. It's still quite a bit stiffer than the Base and Sport package suspension.
- The car is no longer serialized - The number plaque with serial number is no longer included
- Available automatic transmission (manual is still offered, but there were no automatic NISMO versions in the US before 2015)

That's all I can think of. They are both great cars, ultimately if you want the no-nonsense cloth interior and base radio version of the 2014 vs. the more equipped 2015 (or 2015 with Tech package, which is like a Sport/Touring/Nav + NISMO) it's more about what you intend to do with the car or what your preferences are.

Thanks for those info guys. It helps a lot. I'm planning to keep this car as stock as possible since Imma use it daily. However, I've seen some guys with the Nismo and decided to get an aftermarket cat back for it. My question is, is it worth it? Since the Nismo already came with the Nismo catback. Does the Nismo catback restricted the power that much compare to aftermarket exhaust for example like HKS...

I believe a forum member determined the NISMO 2015 exhaust is made by HKS.

It's not particularly loud, but it's enough you can hear it without it being obnoxious. As far as power comparisons I am really not too sure what is left on the table vs. something like a louder HKS or Fast Intentions exhaust.

I've got a 2012 NISMO, and I just had my FI exhaust (resonated test pipes and 18" resonated catback) put on last week. It's louder than the stock NISMO, but it's not obnoxious. So far, I'm very happy with my decision!

In terms of differences, the 2013-14 model years also had darker wheels.

Thanks for that. I just came from a 2013 to a 15 and notice a little more movement at higher speeds and regular turning of course I though it might be a loose dampener -.- So that cleared something up for me!

As far as the original poster. From someone who just went from a 2013 to a 2015 in 2 months I say 15. I did all the research I could and finally decided on a 15. Many reasons really as Davey already threw out. I've driven quite a few nismos now the 13/14 felt exactly the same except the steering wheel on the 14.

However price wise you come out better just buying the 15 atleast in my area dealers still want around 40 for the 2014 new and used prices aren't that much better. The steering wheel alone does it for me on the 14 or 15 but the recarro seats really put it over the top I didn't realize how much I would appreciate them until the hour drive back from going and picking mine up today. Since you said it is going to be your daily rock chips are attracted to those beautiful rays 13/14 like white on rice creating all kinds of little rock chips. Really disappointing to see.

It's all preference though I would drive both if possible. The two things I miss now about my 13 would be the firmness/stability of the steering and the spoiler. I actually liked the more firm suspension the spoiler was just for aesthetics of course really stands out.

I also see jaytirbhaw stating that there is a stock oil cooler? From everything I've read or seen that's the the number one thing people complain about is no oil coolers especially on the Nismo. So unless my countless hours of research and watching my own oil temps continue to raise on normal street and or spirited driving I believe that statement is false. Or if there is one it's not doing anything for me.. :confused:

oh and +1 for the 2015 exhaust it is a little deeper I just plan on doing HFC or ART pipes make it a little louder it's already a tuned exhaust for the car I don't see justifying spending 1500+ for aftermarket when Nismo already pretty much is aftermarket just not as loud which you will appreciate over time being in the car all the time road noise is bad enough why add drone just my opinion. (mine is also my daily)

I just read through your other thread. I feel so sorry for everything you had to go through, but at least you got a 2015 out of it! That thing is beautiful!

In regards to the oil cooler: From what I've read on the forums, I think that Nissan's oil cooler is pretty weak compared to the aftermarket ones available.

Thanks swiss ya I'm really happy about it would have preferred PW but none around. You say Nissan's oil cooler are you saying there is an oil somewhere in the engine bay? I researched the hell out of it because I kept seeing people say they are putting them in now but where? I only see Power Steering cooler in front of my radiator.

Oh and for the exhaust I can confirm it is HKS There is a badge on the muffler that says Nissan and right under it HKS. Which is why I'm not wasting money on another exhaust just plan on doing some high flow cats maybe arts. Better sound but not too loud and quality parts already installed :)

The NISMO has the same oil cooler the other 2012+ Z's have. It's a standard oil to water cooler like many passenger vehicles have. It uses the radiator to cool the oil (and also heat it, when it's cold).

It isn't that it's "weak" it is more that it is not the type of cooler that you would use on a car for track duty, i.e. an oil-to-air cooler which is more like a tiny dedicated radiator for cooling the oil.

I didn't notice much of a difference in body roll or overall stiffness - I'm not sure the springs are actually different. I'm no suspension expert, but I have to admit I don't see how they would accomplish what I *did* notice without reducing the spring rates slightly or adding a little bit of "progressiveness" to the springs (vs. the prior NISMO linear rate springs.).

It would be interesting to see what the '15 spring part numbers are vs. the 14. I suppose this could just be done with dampers?

Anyway... Mainly what I noticed is that where the '14 seems to bobble/pitch front to back on certain stretches of highway, the '15 did not. It does seem to handle the tiniest imperfections in the road better, but you still know it's a NISMO when the road is even slightly less than perfect.

In other words it kind of went from bouncy/bobbling a lot (like I always wanted to get out of the right lane ASAP to get away from the semi ruts) and very stiff to just... Very stiff, but more planted on uneven surfaces.

Guys, concerning oil coolers.....I have quiet a bit of Vette experience....I can say that the air cooled oil coolers are good on the track and highway. Not for Texas city stop n go driving since they need air crossing the the fins to blow off the heat. They are POOR in the winter time. They do not allow the oil to warm to desired operating temps.

The water (Coolant-radiator) oil coolers are better all around. Even for the track in my opinion UNLESS the car is a dedicated track car-not street driven. These coolers keep the oil at operating temps year around. If your on the track and it does rise above 240 then the radiator should be increased. But, unless your driving a dedicated track car, usually you'll stop the car for a cooling off period between sessions. It's not like you running a endurance race or something of that nature.

I prefer the coolant oil coolers myself. And this comes from having owned both. The Vette (sixth gen) Z06 was first built with air oil coolers and later in the gen, it went to coolant cooled because it did not allow oil to heat in the winter months.

So, the jist here, is if your daily driving your Z Nismo, myself, I would prefer the coolant cooler. JMO.

Being this is my first car with a oil temp gauge . I have learned a lot from it . I always warm my car up in the winter at least 30 minutes, Summer 15, and never knew just because the Temp gauge was up on normal the oil is stone cold. my oil gauge wont move until I drive it so I still have to take it easy until the oil is hot. Mac

A lot of useful information here. I guess Imma aim for 2012+ Nismo then. And it suck that only 2015 Nismo comes with the HKS exhaust :(

Any Nismo owners planning to lower your car or already lower your car in here? I just wanna make the wheel gaps a little closer. Not looking to slam the sh*t out of it lol. And possibly improve the handling a bit more. I just read bunch of threads here and seems like everyone recommend coilovers for the long run. And from what I read KW V3 got the most positive reviews but the only down side for me is the price. That led me to BC Coilovers. Decent reviews with decent price.
Anyone has experience with BC Coilovers in here? Are they handling better than stock Nismo? Do I need camper kits with it? I'm planning to stay with stock wheels and tire size. Any suggestions?