Z vs Gen.

matt@qc · 10-05-2010, 12:16 PM

Well what do you figure. 2 weeks later, I'm in an intricate position.

I was just offered to take up my lease on my Genesis Coupe 3.8, which I accepted.

I'm now car shopping again.

List:
G37S 7AT
135i M-Sport DCT
370Z 6MT
Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (GT up here)
Subaru STI 2011

I tried all the above yesterday.

370Z:
I have no real intention of going with a 2 seater, but I had to test drive the 370Z. I stand by what I said, the Genesis Coupe and Z should not be compared. The Z is simply in a another league of focus. You are literally sitting on the floor boards and your legs parallel to the floor as well. There is next to no visibility out the back and in front, the hood takes a **** load of place, I could barely see the apex'es and I'm 6"1.

The engine is in another world compared to the Lambda 3.8. You can clearly see how the drivetrain has been lightened to allow crystal clear throttle response. It is truly amazing. The way the motor constantly wants to rev is impressive as well, massive torque from 4,000 to 7,500 is blood amazing. A downside to the high revs is the vibration, wow, at high RPMs it's even worse than a Subaru boxer.

The 370Z is a no compromise, focused sports car and I really don't see how one could DD this car. No visiblity, road comfort comparable to my GC on 10/12 coilovers, limited space and high road noise make it a no-no for me. Anyone looking for a second car should take a second look at the Z before going with a Z4 or Cayman. For close to half the price, it's an amazing weekend warrior.

G37 7AT

Beside the 370Z, there was a silver G37S, freshly cleaned. It was truly beautiful, better looking IMO than a GC in stock form, it is far more classy thanks to the chrome add-ons. I was a bit underwhelmed by the tire sizes, I feel a 3600,3700 lbs car should have wider tires and it showed during the test drive.

The interior is great, you can clearly see Infiniti didn't have to cut corners to meet its price tag, versus the Hyundai. Out on the drive, the 7AT is butter smooth and very quick, the 1-2-3 shifts were close, which crooked my perspective of speed. It felt faster than it really was, the Z was completely the opposite.

Let's face it, even in S trim, this car isn't the best handling car of the group. A Genesis Coupe 3.8 feels more nimble and the steering feel and feedback is better. It felt heavy, and it is, no surprises there. Where the G37 is better is clearly in the power and drive train.

There are no major faults to this car, but all in all, I still think it is 10% better than the GC for 33% more. It's a striking 200$ per month additional up here and in my eyes, not worth it.

I want a Z · 10-05-2010, 12:58 PM

I loved the G37, my biggest gripe with it were the seats. The bottom bolsters we just uncomfortable. I can't imagine driving an hour in them.

shadoquad · 10-05-2010, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt@qc

The 370Z is a no compromise, focused sports car and I really don't see how one could DD this car.

I have a twisted perspective on things. I grew up driving light, 2-seat apex carvers. Imo, the "DD" requirements are a tad overrated. I mean, I don't mind an aching butt and lower back because of low seats and firm suspension. I couldn't care less about road noise. Limited visibility is an issue, but it just means that you have to know the vehicle's limits and drive very carefully in select situations. I also ignore the complaint of DD'ing a manual transmission car in heavy traffic. I still prefer the level of control in a manual.

Why? Because I prefer fun to practicality.

Push370zzz · 10-05-2010, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

I have a twisted perspective on things. I grew up driving light, 2-seat apex carvers. Imo, the "DD" requirements are a tad overrated. I mean, I don't mind an aching butt and lower back because of low seats and firm suspension. I couldn't care less about road noise. Limited visibility is an issue, but it just means that you have to know the vehicle's limits and drive very carefully in select situations. I also ignore the complaint of DD'ing a manual transmission car in heavy traffic. I still prefer the level of control in a manual.

Why? Because I prefer fun to practicality.

Yeah no kidding. I daily drive this thing and have found it's actually more comfortable than my Altima. Granted it's not much for storage, but my briefcase fits perfectly behind the passenger seat and it's all I need for work or school. In my opinion it's the perfect daily driver.

matt@qc · 10-05-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

Yeah no kidding. I daily drive this thing and have found it's actually more comfortable than my Altima. Granted it's not much for storage, but my briefcase fits perfectly behind the passenger seat and it's all I need for work or school. In my opinion it's the perfect daily driver.

I should add that I live in Quebec, where 4 meters of snow a year is expected and we are the kings of pot holes. The Z is extremely low to the ground with the front chin already rubbing on steep entrances.

If I lived in CA, I'd certainly rock a Z year long!

shadoquad · 10-05-2010, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt@qc

I should add that I live in Quebec, where 4 meters of snow a year is expected and we are the kings of pot holes. The Z is extremely low to the ground with the front chin already rubbing on steep entrances.

If I lived in CA, I'd certainly rock a Z year long!

this is an excellent point. that's a huge practicality issue.

Push370zzz · 10-06-2010, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt@qc

I should add that I live in Quebec, where 4 meters of snow a year is expected and we are the kings of pot holes. The Z is extremely low to the ground with the front chin already rubbing on steep entrances.

If I lived in CA, I'd certainly rock a Z year long!

Well to be fair, I live in Omaha, Nebraska where we get only about 1 meter of snow per year, but it stays on the ground for months at a time. Pot holes are pretty awful here as well, and I rub just about every driveway. It's doable since march/april to november/december you rarely have any snowfall, but considering your place of residence you should be looking at a Hummer H1!! 4 METERS??

See you in CA!!

wilsonp · 10-05-2010, 07:44 PM

I think the 370Z makes a fine DD compared to my NSX (louder, Bilstein shocks - rougher and lower) or my MR-2 SC with the HKS Rally suspension (way louder, and way stiffer).

When I first drove the 370Z I thought it was too soft - I still think the suspension is a tad bouncy.

Lemers · 10-06-2010, 08:49 AM

Here what I think about the Gen Coup. M. Oldest son is 11 so in 5 yrs I should be able to pick up a Gen Coup for dirt cheap for my kid and if the factory warranty is transferable then it will still have 5 yrs of warranty left on it.

Red370 · 10-06-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers

Here what I think about the Gen Coup. M. Oldest son is 11 so in 5 yrs I should be able to pick up a Gen Coup for dirt cheap for my kid and if the factory warranty is transferable then it will still have 5 yrs of warranty left on it.

I think you should get him a miata, i hear the doors on them are bulletproof.

Zsteve · 10-06-2010, 10:06 AM

first car for a boy should be a beatup slow car so they wont kill themselves.

Lemers · 10-06-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

first car for a boy should be a beatup slow car so they wont kill themselves.

Slow car that's why I thought of the Gen Coup? Oh you meant something like a insite or prius.

Zsteve · 10-06-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lemers

Slow car that's why I thought of the Gen Coup? Oh you meant something like a insite or prius.

yea let them get their car killing days out on a slow beatup car.

shadoquad · 10-06-2010, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zsteve

first car for a boy should be a beatup slow car so they wont kill themselves.

But slow doesn't dictate that the car cannot be some level of fun or unique.

I don't think that a kid necessarily needs some beater that will get them laughed at. In fact, a used Miata isn't a bad idea. It's not st00pid fast, but it is cool looking and fun to drive. A used gen coupe 4-cyl fits this as well imo.

Zsteve · 10-06-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadoquad

But slow doesn't dictate that the car cannot be some level of fun or unique.

I don't think that a kid necessarily needs some beater that will get them laughed at. In fact, a used Miata isn't a bad idea. It's not st00pid fast, but it is cool looking and fun to drive. A used gen coupe 4-cyl fits this as well imo.

I guess it depends on how the will treat the car. I know I killed the first car I drove, between me and my brother I dont think there was a spot on the car that wasnt dented or scrapped or whatever. Now I baby the hell out of the cars inside and outside, but drive it semi hard.

10-05-2010, 12:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
matt@qc Base Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: QC, Canada Posts: 26 Drives: Genesis Coupe Rep Power: 16	Well what do you figure. 2 weeks later, I'm in an intricate position. I was just offered to take up my lease on my Genesis Coupe 3.8, which I accepted. I'm now car shopping again. List: G37S 7AT 135i M-Sport DCT 370Z 6MT Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track (GT up here) Subaru STI 2011 I tried all the above yesterday. 370Z: I have no real intention of going with a 2 seater, but I had to test drive the 370Z. I stand by what I said, the Genesis Coupe and Z should not be compared. The Z is simply in a another league of focus. You are literally sitting on the floor boards and your legs parallel to the floor as well. There is next to no visibility out the back and in front, the hood takes a ** load of place, I could barely see the apex'es and I'm 6"1. The engine is in another world compared to the Lambda 3.8. You can clearly see how the drivetrain has been lightened to allow crystal clear throttle response. It is truly amazing. The way the motor constantly wants to rev is impressive as well, massive torque from 4,000 to 7,500 is blood amazing. A downside to the high revs is the vibration, wow, at high RPMs it's even worse than a Subaru boxer. The 370Z is a no compromise, focused sports car and I really don't see how one could DD this car. No visiblity, road comfort comparable to my GC on 10/12 coilovers, limited space and high road noise make it a no-no for me. Anyone looking for a second car should take a second look at the Z before going with a Z4 or Cayman. For close to half the price, it's an amazing weekend warrior. G37 7AT** Beside the 370Z, there was a silver G37S, freshly cleaned. It was truly beautiful, better looking IMO than a GC in stock form, it is far more classy thanks to the chrome add-ons. I was a bit underwhelmed by the tire sizes, I feel a 3600,3700 lbs car should have wider tires and it showed during the test drive. The interior is great, you can clearly see Infiniti didn't have to cut corners to meet its price tag, versus the Hyundai. Out on the drive, the 7AT is butter smooth and very quick, the 1-2-3 shifts were close, which crooked my perspective of speed. It felt faster than it really was, the Z was completely the opposite. Let's face it, even in S trim, this car isn't the best handling car of the group. A Genesis Coupe 3.8 feels more nimble and the steering feel and feedback is better. It felt heavy, and it is, no surprises there. Where the G37 is better is clearly in the power and drive train. There are no major faults to this car, but all in all, I still think it is 10% better than the GC for 33% more. It's a striking 200$ per month additional up here and in my eyes, not worth it. Last edited by matt@qc; 10-05-2010 at 12:25 PM.

10-05-2010, 07:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
wilsonp A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,134 Drives: 2009 Touring Sp Nav Rep Power: 18	I think the 370Z makes a fine DD compared to my NSX (louder, Bilstein shocks - rougher and lower) or my MR-2 SC with the HKS Rally suspension (way louder, and way stiffer). When I first drove the 370Z I thought it was too soft - I still think the suspension is a tad bouncy. __________________ 2014 Cayman S PDK Sport Chrono White/Black Was 2009 370Z Touring Sport+Nav 7AT Metallic Black/Persimmon Was 1991 NSX Auto Black/Black Last edited by wilsonp; 10-05-2010 at 07:45 PM. Reason: typo

10-06-2010, 08:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 53	Here what I think about the Gen Coup. M. Oldest son is 11 so in 5 yrs I should be able to pick up a Gen Coup for dirt cheap for my kid and if the factory warranty is transferable then it will still have 5 yrs of warranty left on it. __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

10-06-2010, 10:06 AM	#11 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 22	first car for a boy should be a beatup slow car so they wont kill themselves. __________________ 2010 LS3 C6 Silver coupe corvette

10-05-2010, 12:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
I want a Z Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: MD Posts: 225 Drives: 03 Chevy Avalanche Rep Power: 16	I loved the G37, my biggest gripe with it were the seats. The bottom bolsters we just uncomfortable. I can't imagine driving an hour in them.