370Z disappointment -is Nismo the cure?
 

Test drove a 370Z base with sport package and was really not impressed at all. Steering felt mushy. Engine tame and docile, not to mention you couldn't even hear it! Gear box felt notchy. Car felt like a bad rental with no road feel whatsoever. View from the drivers seat lame when compared to my RX-7 or Mini or Vette---there is no view of muscular body---just hood bump.

Before you rip me a new *******, I want honest opinions on whether it is worth driving an hour to test drive a Nismo version. How different is it?

Thx for any assistance

Probably the only difference will be the handling. I drove my friends Touring model and even with the upgrades the touring had, the Nismo felt better. I modded mine to get a better sound. The nismo does not sound any meaner at all. They sure made the car quiet. Cant comment on the view, I have no problems with the view. I would rather drive this car then any Vette out there!

must be that you are use to the short wheel base and direct imput from the RX and Vett. But the Mini? Is it an older one, cause I raced one of those around a track all day, ont a day trip and it was horrible. Felt like a plastic POS with a lawnmore engine. Just my honest opinion. :tup:

Sounds like you dont like the z so IMHO dont go and waste your money and buy one and then throw more money at it. if you dont fall in love at first then it will always be in your mind that it will never be any better. Best look for your fix elsewhere.

If you didn't like the regular 370Z that much, then you will not like the Nismo either. Save yourself the trip.

It's like the base model, it just has a lot stiffer ride.

When I drove my Base/Sports Z I was very impressed. And I came from a 300ZX TT.

The Nismo is not much different. Much stiffer ride, some better sways and 18 more HP. So I would say you won't be much impressed...

if you want to be impressed drive my car (see sig for mods) LOL

Sounds like the Z is just not your cup of tea...keep shopping. A mini? Really? WOW lol.

Think you would be better off in a GT-R if you wanted a Nissan.

I think that statement could hold true for most of us here. :icon17:

the Z isn't for you

also holds true for some members here. :icon17:

Thx all---It is really sad---I loved my 280ZX and I loved my 300ZX :-(

My Mini is the JCW model and the Vette has the Z51 suspension and the RX-7 is far from stock. They all make noise and are point and shoot.

I really wanted to love this car. I thank you all for weighing in with your honest f/b and help.

I am going to try and go drive a Nismo. If I like it, I will get all your help figuring out how to make it "noisy"

If/when, check my sig.

If not enough noise is your only concern, I am sure there are plenty of aftermarket CAI and CBE to make your ears happy. The stock Nismo sound slightly meaner but not by much. The ride is much stiffer tho and handles better.