So how is everyone pleased with their Z performance wise?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

ImportConvert · 10-24-2010, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frost

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.)

Do you miss the C6? Why/Why not?

frost · 10-24-2010, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Do you miss the C6? Why/Why not?

Naw, the corvette didn't feel like a quality car. Everything just felt like cheap plastic junk. When I had a c5 (z06), I was actually embarrassed to have people ride in the car because the interior was so cheap.

So I guess it just depends on what you're looking for. There are those of us who want little more than an engine with a seat and a steering wheel to haul *** ... and there are those of us who want a bit of comfort and convenience. Nothing wrong with either viewpoint, I just wish I had the brains to know what I was looking for in a car before I went through 19 in the last 10 years

ImportConvert · 10-24-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frost

Naw, the corvette didn't feel like a quality car. Everything just felt like cheap plastic junk. When I had a c5 (z06), I was actually embarrassed to have people ride in the car because the interior was so cheap.

So I guess it just depends on what you're looking for. There are those of us who want little more than an engine with a seat and a steering wheel to haul *** ... and there are those of us who want a bit of comfort and convenience. Nothing wrong with either viewpoint, I just wish I had the brains to know what I was looking for in a car before I went through 19 in the last 10 years

Hrmmm, you must have had an early C6? The ones I have looked at, while not as nice as the Z, certainly don't look/feel that bad. Certainly better than the 350's were.

Mag350Z · 10-24-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Hrmmm, you must have had an early C6? The ones I have looked at, while not as nice as the Z, certainly don't look/feel that bad. Certainly better than the 350's were.

Having traded in my 2006 350Z for a 2010 base Corvette about two weeks ago,
I can tell you that acceleration wise the Vette absolutely crushes the 350, and I imagine the same holds true for the 370. The car has 436 HP with 430 Lb/Ft and weighs less than the 370.
Handling wise, the Vette has more grip and higher limits, but to me the 350 was much more tossable and confidence inspiring to drive. Also the 350Z has much better steering.
For the two cars that I owned, the Z had better overall fit and finish. There are a few exterior and interior trim pieces on my Vette that do not fit as they should. Also I drove 100,000 miles with the Z without ever visiting the dealer except for routine maintenance. I can only hope that the Vette holds up so well.
Either way, both cars are excellent values. A base Corvette is not much more than a fully loaded Z. As mentioned, it really depends on what you are looking for.
I went from a 1987 300ZX to a 1997 Z28 and now 350 to Corvette. I think overall the Zs provide a better driving experience. I wouldn't be surprised if my next car will be whatever Z is available in 4 or 5 years. I was very close to getting the 370 but wanted to own a Corvette at least once in my life.

10-23-2010, 12:00 PM	#47 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 18	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, 09:38 AM	#51 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	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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10-23-2010, 10:30 AM	#46 (permalink)
import111 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ. Posts: 622 Drives: 09 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 191	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	#54 (permalink)
Baddriver Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Manila, Philippines Posts: 89 Drives: Evo ix, Nismo 370z Rep Power: 263	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.