The Nismo is the way to go, i got mine brand new off the showroom floor for $33,000, you can get a good deal on one if you shop around. I looked at a few of the new Z's, but there was no way i was gonna buy one unless it was a Nismo, it stands apart, the new 370 is rare as is, add the limited Nismo package, and it gets even better.

Upgreaded wheels (my favorite), suspension, interior, body kit, 9hp from com, 9hp from exhaust...just my own opinion, but i wouldnt have a Z if it werent for me running across my Nismo...

Oh, and ive had at least 5 people legit think that it was a porche...Ladies love the Nismo :D:D:D

If you can get it for the right price (below $35K) and you don't intend to mod the heck out of it, and you don't mind the firm ride, I say go for it.

Myself I've replaced everything that distinguishes the Nismo aside from the body kit, suspension, sway bars, exhaust, wheels. My mods + base price car cost a far bit more than what Mystic paid but it is customized to my needs and wants.

So bottom line:
No mod: Nismo (if you can get a good price)
Mod junky: No Nismo

Yeah ill agree with this. Though i am a mod junky, this is the first car ive ever purchased. And i plan on keeping the modding to a minimum so i can finish school, but i wouldnt change a thing about my car, i effin love it :hello::rolleyes::excited:

I'm not so sure that I can concurr with the above statements. As far as changing out the aero, I am on the fence about it (only considering the Stillen bumper for greater fuctionality after seeing it in person). To me the suspension, wheels, and interior (minus audio) are just right for me. I am a little on the fence about the brakes also.

Currently, I have swapped out the cat-back and have LTHs on order, considering the Stillen bumper (purely for better air-flow), and looking to go with some sort of FI application (if bolt-ons don't satisfy my need for more guts). :ughdance:

No appology needed. just wondered what your doing on a 370Z site if you have such a badass stable at home..?..

did you buy a Z? or a nismo? or you drove one around the block and now you know everything about it.

had you said you have raced, driven, and worked on 370Z's then yes all your back ground would be beneficial.

I get that alot, definitely turns heads, even next to my buddies sport 370 :)

Response
 

When I retired several years ago, I chose to alter my lifestyle being concerned with economic uncertainty. Stupidly, I sold my remaining 2 sports cars, house, etc. and "downsized". I have been in state of withdrawal since. Several months ago, I reached the end of my tolerance and announced to wifey my intention to immediately purchase a sports car. When she agreed (much to my great surprise), I proceeded to the local Nissan dealer and purchased a GTR. This news precipitated WW3 at home. In order to make peace, I compromised by offering to "settle" for a 370Z; wifey agreed. After test driving several competitor vehicles, I tentatively purchased a Base/Sport 6 MT. When, however, the opportunity of purchasing a 3 week old 2009 Nismo with 940 miles for $31K arose, I jumped.
Although I have neither raced nor modified Z cars, and my personal "Z" experience is limited to my present Nismo, I did submit test-drive articles on a regular basis in the 1980's to Porsche Panorama and BMW Roundel magazines comparing competitor cars to Porsches and BMWs. I thought this group would appreciate a similar effort with regard to our Z's.
Permit me to profer advice to those 370Z owners contemplating "mods": ATTEND A DRIVING SCHOOL! Our cars have an enormous performance envelope that most drivers cannot approach. One cannot imagine the improvement in driving skills and capability available by taking even a single, novice driving class.

What do you think of the nismo, in terms of handling/perforamnce/power, compared to the competition out there?

What he said :D really though I'd love to hear your opinion...

honestly for the price, i would rather get a used base/sport for 25 and dump about 15k into it.

turbo kit, aero, suspension, audio.

nice! yeah i too am interested in a comparisson. especially against some of the super cars you have driven.

thank you for your knowledge!
Nick

I will be only too happy to compare my seat-time in a Mustang 5.0, Camaro SS, Corvette and Cayman S to our Nismos. For that matter, should anyone wish a comparo between the Nismo and any of my previous cars, just yell.
Every car has its own unique personality, character and "soul", an inherent "goodness" that cannot be measured by a mere number at a drag strip or race course. The 370Z has that "goodness" in spades.
As I am about to leave for Pittsburgh and the Steelers home opener, will return to complete my in-depth response on Tuesday.

thx man, have fun at the game.

Have fun at the home opener, your review deserves to be in it's own thread. :tup:

I say go for the Nismo. I was cross shopping between a STI and a Nismo and chose the 370. They're both bad *** but the Nismo has better looks by far!!!!