So how is everyone pleased with their Z performance wise?

cab83_750 · 10-22-2010, 07:33 PM

Just to stir the pot here a little bit, is it my imagination that Porsche-comparos occur so often here? What happenEd to Bimmer/M fans and comparos?

import111 · 10-23-2010, 10:30 AM

I came from a stage 2 powered moderately modded 2005 STi. I knew the 370Z would be a tad slower. 5 seconds slower on a 1.5 mile road course, but I am pretty sure I could get that gap down to 2 seconds as I had not been to the track in a while when I brought the Z out there. Z isn't slow by any means but not quite as fast as I had thought. Brakes are as good if not better than the STi but power and and handling are not as good, which some of that is due to AWD vs RWD which is kind of unfair to compare.

ProfessorDave · 10-23-2010, 12:00 PM

I wish it was more tossable and had less understeer. Of course, the understeer problem can be addressed with handling mods. And I'm pretty sure I have been nowhere near the handling limits, so some of handling complaint (complaint is too strong of a word) are driver (skill and confidence deficits) related.

Otherwise, I love everything else about it (OK, not the fuel gauge/computer cluster, but no one could love that!). Plenty fast for me, especially with better breathing filters and the FI cat back.

Push370zzz · 10-23-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ninous26

Looking for comments that are as unbiased as possible.

So its obvious the Z is a win in several IMPORTANT categories.. Looks, quality, up to date, handling..

Just wondering how everyone feels about the performance? Power wise.. Satisfied? Surprised? Let down?

Dont want to make the mistake like I did with my G.. I came from an old V6 Acura so the G felt pretty fast compared to it and I didn't even get on it in the test drive years ago.. Once I got into the car game more with my VQ I realized that the G is pretty much nothing.. I mean its okay (Remember, power wise).. Not something to really even acknowledge... So by meaning I dont want to make the same mistake is this; I test drove a 370z a year ago, again just didn't feel right getting on it with a salesman in the car so I didn't get the full taste. It felt like the power was there for sure, obvious you could tell it would inhale my current car in a race but will I have the same disappointment as I did with the G? Why or why not?

I always left myself saying "Damn, I should have gotten a 350". The luxury aspects don't do me much.. I hardly even consider a G a luxury car.. Hell, my 91 Acura felt, looked, and was more luxurious than my 03 so you can see where I'm coming from..

I see that majority of members here that switched cars chose the 5.0.. Why is this? From what I've picked up I see that ma41mustang got annoyed by the small tick tack things that are annoying so he made the switch.. Is this it?

Sorry if this is an annoying post.. I just want to make sure that I absolutely adore what I buy next and have 0 buyers remorse like I did with the G... I still modded the hell out of it, made it pretty damn fun and make it look very sexy.. But there was always that emptiness inside when it came to performance ( Full bolt ons just wasn't enough, I had to resort to nitrous which I chickened out on installing).

Thanks for reading!

I used to have a G35 (2006 coupe) that I loved. I always missed it after selling her and got my 370z after just a couple years without it. The Z isn't a luxury car by any means, but it does feel more fit and polished than the old G did. It has plenty of power and I'm very satisfied with its performance. That does not mean I don't want a lot more, however

Endgame · 10-23-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

I used to have a G35 (2006 coupe) that I loved. I always missed it after selling her and got my 370z after just a couple years without it. The Z isn't a luxury car by any means, but it does feel more fit and polished than the old G did. It has plenty of power and I'm very satisfied with its performance. That does not mean I don't want a lot more, however

Greedy bastard......

I am almost satisfied with the handling of the Z. I have coilovers on now, but will be getting sways within the next year. I am coming from an RX8 with MS suspension, so while the Z is impressive in the handling department, it still cannot compare to the RX8 and never will.

However, I am VERY impressed and satisfied with the speed of the Z, and I only have K&N drop in's and a Amuse front pipe and R1. I am sure I will be in bliss when I get my Motordyne M370 on, and tuned.

The Z is not the fastest car for the money on the block, but is a PERFECT blend between the handling prowess of a 'tuned' RX8 and the new 5.0 Stang. In fact, a tuned Z reminds me more of a 'lesser' Vette.

Mt Tam I am · 10-24-2010, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endgame

Greedy bastard......

I am almost satisfied with the handling of the Z. I have coilovers on now, but will be getting sways within the next year. I am coming from an RX8 with MS suspension, so while the Z is impressive in the handling department, it still cannot compare to the RX8 and never will.

However, I am VERY impressed and satisfied with the speed of the Z, and I only have K&N drop in's and a Amuse front pipe and R1. I am sure I will be in bliss when I get my Motordyne M370 on, and tuned.

The Z is not the fastest car for the money on the block, but is a PERFECT blend between the handling prowess of a 'tuned' RX8 and the new 5.0 Stang. In fact, a tuned Z reminds me more of a 'lesser' Vette.

Without highjacking this thread, have you already discussed benefit of coilovers? I tried to search Endgame posts. I am no expert with computers, and "invalid" repeatedly came back. You and Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear, rave about RX8 handling, so it must be true. Have you already, or can you please, elaborate on coilovers benefit and difference between 370 and RX8.

ProfessorDave · 10-24-2010, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Without highjacking this thread, have you already discussed benefit of coilovers? I tried to search Endgame posts. I am no expert with computers, and "invalid" repeatedly came back. You and Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear, rave about RX8 handling, so it must be true. Have you already, or can you please, elaborate on coilovers benefit and difference between 370 and RX8.

I can't speak about coilovers, but the lightweight of the rotary and the perfect 50/50 balance made the RX-8 a handling dream. However, as I've said on other threads, the fact that given the 240ish HP and low torque, you were never really over the limits of the car. The Z requires more skill to make it handle well near its limits, IMO.

Endgame · 10-24-2010, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

Without highjacking this thread, have you already discussed benefit of coilovers? I tried to search Endgame posts. I am no expert with computers, and "invalid" repeatedly came back. You and Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear, rave about RX8 handling, so it must be true. Have you already, or can you please, elaborate on coilovers benefit and difference between 370 and RX8.

The standard 370Z suspension allows for too much body roll IMO; the Z, while good, was still not as sharp as the I was accustomed to. As also mention in another post, the Z does not have a 50/50 weight distribution. When I put my coilovers on, the Z handeled much sharper and eliminated some of the floatlike sensations I experienced. The coilovers also allowed me to corner better due to the reduction of body roll. I feel sway bars will finish out the Z's needs in a performance catagory.

While it still will not handle like the RX8, it will be much better than stock. And I agree that the Z requires more skill to drive fast. It does not require a high amount of skill like a Vette, but it is not as easy to drive at its limit like the RX8. To illustrate, there is a very nice S turn in Phoenix/Laveen near the mountains. The speed limit is about 35 in that section. I could take that at 80 with my MS spec'd RX8. With my Z stock, I could only manage 60. With my current setup, I can manage 70'ish. I am sure I will be able to improve upon that with Sways and as I learn to drive my Z more so.

As it seems you have used the search button (well done as some do not), I am sure you came across the threads of reccomended suspension mods (coilovers, sways, tires). Those mods really do evolve the car to a true performer. That said, while the RX8 is still a better handling car IMO (I chose the RX8 over the 350Z), the 370Z is still a much better overall car.

Not sure if that is what you were looking for. PM me if not...

cames4 · 10-24-2010, 09:54 PM

I compared the 370Z to the Mustang GT and the Challenger SRT8. I wanted an all-around functional vehicle that ran well, handled great, and had the torque that reminded me of my muscle car days (69 Charger RT, 68 RR RT, and 71 Cuda). Without going into too much detail, the Challenger and GT just did not have the "fit and finish" that I was looking for. Straight line, both were awesome but both failed (in my mind) in handling and quality. I tested the Z last and once i got in, I was in LUST. All radio and A/C controls were within reach of my right hand without moving it from the shifter, shifting was wonderfully natural, visibility was great except for the left side (fixed with bubble mirror), the seats actually hugged me, and the gauges were just perfect and where I could see them. The car is not the fastest on the road as has been mentioned but it drives like a dream, dares me to test its ability to hug the turns, and makes me feel good. Probably not a car for everyone but for me, it has reminded me how much fun driving can be and thus, the perfect car for me. On a side note, my research has indicated that it get stole less often... :-) Seems criminal prefer 4 seaters over 2 in some cases.

spearfish25 · 10-24-2010, 09:38 AM

I think anyone who criticizes the Z as not meeting their performance expectations never really had realistic expectations in the first place. The Z is very quick off the line. Compare it to Ferraris from 10 years ago and it's not far off their times. Considering the amount of safety equipment loaded into cars of this generation and the additional weight those systems add, it's incredible what the cars can do. With regard to handling, the Z really only understeers if you've cooked your turn. On the track, it's impressively balanced. If you guys are understeering like pigs, you need to learn to utilize the middle pedal more before you turn in.

Overall, I'm extremely impressed with my Z and it meets or exceeds all of my expectations. It's easy to read about Ferrari Italias, Bugatti Veyrons, and Ariel Atoms and then start feeling like we have a slow car. But with realistic expectations, this car is a true performer. The fact we even try comparing it to supercars says something about the Z's abilities.

Do yourself a little mental-realignment favor. Next time you're on the streets, count how many cars you see before you find one that outperforms the Z. Even in downtown Chicago, the Z is outperforms 99% of the cars you'll see.

import111 · 10-24-2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

With regard to handling, the Z really only understeers if you've cooked your turn. On the track, it's impressively balanced. If you guys are understeering like pigs, you need to learn to utilize the middle pedal more before you turn in.

While I mostly agree with this, there are a lot of other factors that come into play for this. Tire pressure, suspension setup, driving style, alignment, ect. My 370Z will lose rear traction before front traction most of the time, even if I am not on the gas at all...but that is probably due to how I have it set up.

Baddriver · 10-24-2010, 12:00 PM

coming from an evo ix, I'm not too impressed, specially at high speeds.

but it looks cool and more upscale so it makes up for the loss of performance.

I know I'm hurting the feelings of the overzealous fan boys here.. sorry.

ImportConvert · 10-24-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baddriver

coming from an evo ix, I'm not too impressed, specially at high speeds.

but it looks cool and more upscale so it makes up for the loss of performance.

I know I'm hurting the feelings of the overzealous fan boys here.. sorry.

Comparing the EVO stock to the Z, though, I think the Z takes the cake for acceleration, especially from a roll.

Baddriver · 10-24-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Comparing the EVO stock to the Z, though, I think the Z takes the cake for acceleration, especially from a roll.

I guess it's true in stock form. my main problem is stability, specially in high speed hard braking. z seems wobbly and scary at high speeds. reached 155 mph kph in the evo with no problem. I've yet to reach 140 on the z cause it's scares the hell out of me. I don't think I can ever drive it as fast.... and I can't brake as hard.

Love the z still and I won't trade it for an evo

frost · 10-24-2010, 05:10 PM

Coming from a c6 corvette and some other 400+ hp cars, it's obviously not the fastest thing I've ever driven, but it's plenty fast for 99% of peoples' needs. Plus, it's in the top handling cars I've ever owned. (I actually think my 350 handles a tad better.)

10-23-2010, 12:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 20	I wish it was more tossable and had less understeer. Of course, the understeer problem can be addressed with handling mods. And I'm pretty sure I have been nowhere near the handling limits, so some of handling complaint (complaint is too strong of a word) are driver (skill and confidence deficits) related. Otherwise, I love everything else about it (OK, not the fuel gauge/computer cluster, but no one could love that!). Plenty fast for me, especially with better breathing filters and the FI cat back. __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

10-24-2010, 09:54 PM	#9 (permalink)
cames4 Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 63 Drives: 2014 Z-Touring Stick Rep Power: 16	Why I picked the Z I compared the 370Z to the Mustang GT and the Challenger SRT8. I wanted an all-around functional vehicle that ran well, handled great, and had the torque that reminded me of my muscle car days (69 Charger RT, 68 RR RT, and 71 Cuda). Without going into too much detail, the Challenger and GT just did not have the "fit and finish" that I was looking for. Straight line, both were awesome but both failed (in my mind) in handling and quality. I tested the Z last and once i got in, I was in LUST. All radio and A/C controls were within reach of my right hand without moving it from the shifter, shifting was wonderfully natural, visibility was great except for the left side (fixed with bubble mirror), the seats actually hugged me, and the gauges were just perfect and where I could see them. The car is not the fastest on the road as has been mentioned but it drives like a dream, dares me to test its ability to hug the turns, and makes me feel good. Probably not a car for everyone but for me, it has reminded me how much fun driving can be and thus, the perfect car for me. On a side note, my research has indicated that it get stole less often... :-) Seems criminal prefer 4 seaters over 2 in some cases.

10-24-2010, 09:38 AM	#10 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1858	I think anyone who criticizes the Z as not meeting their performance expectations never really had realistic expectations in the first place. The Z is very quick off the line. Compare it to Ferraris from 10 years ago and it's not far off their times. Considering the amount of safety equipment loaded into cars of this generation and the additional weight those systems add, it's incredible what the cars can do. With regard to handling, the Z really only understeers if you've cooked your turn. On the track, it's impressively balanced. If you guys are understeering like pigs, you need to learn to utilize the middle pedal more before you turn in. Overall, I'm extremely impressed with my Z and it meets or exceeds all of my expectations. It's easy to read about Ferrari Italias, Bugatti Veyrons, and Ariel Atoms and then start feeling like we have a slow car. But with realistic expectations, this car is a true performer. The fact we even try comparing it to supercars says something about the Z's abilities. Do yourself a little mental-realignment favor. Next time you're on the streets, count how many cars you see before you find one that outperforms the Z. Even in downtown Chicago, the Z is outperforms 99% of the cars you'll see. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

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10-22-2010, 07:33 PM	#1 (permalink)
cab83_750 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: CA Posts: 887 Drives: 09 NISSAN 370Z Rep Power: 419	Just to stir the pot here a little bit, is it my imagination that Porsche-comparos occur so often here? What happenEd to Bimmer/M fans and comparos?

10-23-2010, 10:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
import111 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ. Posts: 622 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 193	I came from a stage 2 powered moderately modded 2005 STi. I knew the 370Z would be a tad slower. 5 seconds slower on a 1.5 mile road course, but I am pretty sure I could get that gap down to 2 seconds as I had not been to the track in a while when I brought the Z out there. Z isn't slow by any means but not quite as fast as I had thought. Brakes are as good if not better than the STi but power and and handling are not as good, which some of that is due to AWD vs RWD which is kind of unfair to compare.

10-24-2010, 12:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
Baddriver Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 89 Drives: Evo ix, Nismo 370z Rep Power: 265	coming from an evo ix, I'm not too impressed, specially at high speeds. but it looks cool and more upscale so it makes up for the loss of performance. I know I'm hurting the feelings of the overzealous fan boys here.. sorry.