370Z Takes on Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
 

New guy here! I’m strongly considering a 370Z, and looking for some advice. I’m trying to decide between a 370Z Touring (with sport package) and Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track. I know the question has been asked here and yes, I done the searches. However, I’d like some fresh opinions now that both cars have been out for a couple years getting exposure and there’s less misinformation floating around. Plus, my priorities might be different than others on the board…just how I perceive things after reading, I could easily be wrong.

I’m not going to be “modding” or tuning the car so I don’t care about unlocked potential. I won’t be taking the car to the track, and the kid the in the mustang/camaro/etc. can rev his engine at the stoplight all he wants but I still won’t race him. I don’t ever race or drive all-out but I do enjoy spirited driving when safe. All I really am looking for is a sporty and capable RWD performance coupe that is reliable, fun to drive, and available with an automatic (to ease the commute). I’ve narrowed my search to these two cars, and honestly I think I’d be happy with either one and never look back. I understand that the two aren’t direct competitors and it might not always make a whole lot of sense to cross-shop them. That said, for my purposes it’s almost splitting hairs at this point (not factoring in cost).

Still it’s fun to compare and contrast the two and draw distinctions. Let’s do just that, and evaluate the cars on their own strengths/weaknesses. Besides, the cost difference isn't as much for me due to corporate relationships between the company I work for and the manufacturers. Here’s where I stand after driving both, trying to decide which I would rather own.

Performance
The 370Z is the hands-down winner in the performance category. The test numbers don’t lie there. But the GC isn’t exactly a slouch. I drove the Hyundai first and was impressed with its performance. When I test drove the Z today it didn’t seem like as large a gap as the numbers suggest. Both engines feel powerful and willing to rev, the Nissan’s just a bit more so. I preferred the Brembo’s that come on the 3.8 Track, but both were seriously strong stoppers. The Nissan gets a demerit for drinking premium fuel, and thirsting for it more often. Bottom line is they both feel fast in real world driving and can scream if asked …boy do they want to be asked.

Ride and Handling
I found the handling of both cars to be exceptional, with the Z feeling a bit more direct. They ride similarly, firm without crossing over to harsh and always controlled. Admittedly I’m not being very sensitive to the ride. We have less-than-perfect roads around here, no car can really isolate you from the bumps/holes, not even my friend’s Avalon Limited. With big 19” alloys and performance tires, tire noise/boom was ever present in both, more so in the 370Z. The GC had a noticeably quieter cabin, which seemed appropriate for its better appointed interior.

Styling and Interior
It’s all subjective, but I prefer the styling of the Nissan. The Hyundai looks exciting, but borders on looking just a touch too “boy-racerish” for my tastes. I fear the 370Z may begin to look dated prematurely because of its similarity to the 350Z. I’d give all the styling points to the GC if I could get the limited slip and Brembo’s without the wing. Both look fast standing still and will turn heads anywhere you go.

The interior of the 370Z is clearly a step up from its predecessor, but it’s no match for what the GC offers in terms of comfort and feature content. Nissan gives you everything you absolutely need, and very little you don’t. Even though it’s labeled as the 3.8 Track, it’s meant to be more of a “touring” coupe than an outright sports car which is clear by how its cabin is spec’d. The list of features is long and impressive, including the premium Inifinity sound system and navigation…standard. The seats are phenomenal; comfortable, supportive, and wrapped in rich, supple perforated leather. Even just the layout and design of the interior of the GC seems fresher and more upscale than the Z’s.

Practicality
Neither offers a ton of practicality, but let’s call the GC, um…less impractical? It’s not a huge issue for me as I’m young-ish and single with no kids. Still, I feel the Z is pushing the limit here. I draw the line at being able to take another person, a couple laptops and bags for a weekend+ road trip. The Nissan just barely squeaks by. The trunk on the GC is at least a useful size, if not shape. I consider it a two seater like the Z, because the rear seats are utterly useless. It’s best to think of them as a storage extension.

That’s my take on two very compelling yet distinct offerings. What are your thoughts and which would you choose? Why?

The Genesis is a heavy car from what I recall... 3400 or 3500 lbs I believe. Honestly if I were to get one of those it would have been the 2.0t, but they are very hard to crack when it comes to tuning and such.

If I had to have my pick I would always pick the Z. I always have loved the cars and i've owned 2 Evo's, a Mazdaspeed 3 and a 93 Mustang 5.0 LX.

Just because the Genesis has the Brembo's don't be fooled... while they are an EXCELLENT brake.. the Z will stop in 101 feet according to car and driver. That rivals a lot of much more expensive cars.

I have not driven the Genesis. I think it's a nice looking car but ultimately to me ... it's still a Hyundai and there seems to be a lot more of those than 370's... or at least in my area. If you aren't worried about the modding and such i'd go with the Z... the steering, the braking, the auto in the car supposedly is great though I have a 6MT.

I also have to say I just like the Z's styling better. Remember, Nissan has a lot more years of experience with performance cars.

Just my 02 cents though... hope you are happy whichever way you go!

Sounds like you've done your research. Good job. An informed noob so to speak ;) that's a good thing.

Now for my take...

superb road feel and steering
interior quality and feel
performance

The above qualities, the Z is superior by a landslide. The Genesis is particularly hampered by lack of road feel, or more appropriately, in steering, the driver feels disconnected from the road (look at what almost all the reputable car mag editors are saying regarding this. After test diving one, I agree wholeheartedly). The Genesis and Hyundai will get better, but for now, Z hands down.

OP keep in mind you're in a Z forum lol... we all can TRY to be unbiased, but ultimately... we won't be ;-)

I think for someone like you the Genesis is what you should go for simply because it's cheaper. For a car enthusiast the Z is clearly the winner but for someone just looking for something sporty who doesn't care about the cars true capabilities I would just go for the cheaper option. As you said, in real world daily driving both fit the bill nicely. I've driven the Genesis and it's a pretty decent ride, just doesn't have the same raw enthusiast feel the Z has.

That being said I would also urge you to wait about 6mo. The Genesis for 2012 is getting bump in hp and torque as well as some minor interior and exterior tweaks. Essentially for the same price you'll pay now for a 2011 you can wait and get a 2012 which may actually move the Genesis even closer to the Z in terms of performance and interior (supposed to get 333hp). I know personally I would hate to buy a car only for the new and improved model to come out shortly after.

Ive driven both and I can say hands down the Z is more fun to drive and gets the soul stirring! I must say though both my parents own Hyundais now and they are great cars, I see them someday soon surpassing Honda and maybe Toyota one day as the top car company! But for the here and now, ill take the Z any day. Good luck on your tough decision, when it comes to spending money, I know its hard to sign that dotted line!

I have driven both and have come to the general consensus as you have. Hyundai has been improving dramatically and it shows. The Z has better road feel and is an all around better performer. I cant remember the interior of the Genesis, but I dont remember having complaints about it. You might want to wait for the new 5.0 v8 comming out next year.
and :welcome:

I also considered the Genesis Coupe at first. No big complaints about it I guess. I'm glad Hyundai is finally making decent stuff but I can't seem to get past associating crappy cars with the Hyundai brand. Maybe that's not fair, but as someone said earlier, Nissan has been in the sports car game much longer so I'd like to believe the Z is a more reliable package.

It sounds like both cars are more than capable for the type of driving you'll be doing. As you point out, neither one is all that practical but that's true for sports cars in general. If the price difference is also not important just go with the styling that suits you best. Personally, I think the Z looks gorgeous from every angle. The Hyundai is not bad but every time I see one my eyes are drawn to that odd dip below the rear side windows. That would make me crazy if I owned one. This is all subjective though of course.

To answer your question though, I chose the Z based mostly on performance followed by styling (the interior in particular). The exhaust note is really great too.

Good luck

I'll drop a quick 2cents here..

Mine is an auto, and I'm absolutely in love with the paddleshifters. Quick & crisp shifts every time. Or, put it into "D" and enjoy the seamless shifting.

If you choose the Z, you won't regret it.

Its a copy of the Z and G. Wat did you expect from hyundai?

For your needs the Genesis will do the job. It's sporty, fun and not that expensive and you cant beat 10yr 100k mile warranty . Personally I would wait til the new Scion comes out so I can have another car to compare.

My best friend owns a Gen. Coupe. I have driven it and it is O.K. Also, I have never seen the car turn heads and it is BRIGHT red. It just doesn't have the same "I can't stop looking" affect on people that the Z has. I personally think it is a good looking car and would be fun to drive if I didn't have the Z. I let my buddy do some spirited driving in the Z and he is currently selling the Gen. Coupe and is shopping for a new Z :tup: not joking either.

Yah if you're a walmart shopper get the hyundai cause you wont be able to tell the difference anyway. Chinese, Japanese, korean, they're all the same.

If you're a car enthusiast, get the Z.

I think if having a 2 seater isn't an issue, then the Z is your choice.

Keep us posted on your decision.

Thanks for your opinion, I may very well end up waiting to see what the next generation offers. If it were coming sooner, I'd be more inclined to wait it out but the next Genesis coupe is due to be unveiled in January 2012 at the Detroit show. It will most likely be the 2013 MY and hit show rooms mid-late 2012, with a carryover 2012 MY being released sometime this summer to bridge the gap. I'd expect the mechanical bits to be identical, with the possibility of some upgraded comfort/tech features. This conflicts with what a lot of the auto blogs are saying, but I got this info directly from Hyundai Motors America's President & CEO, John Krafcik during an online chat.

I wouldn't hold out much hope for a V8 GC like some folks are, at least not until its due for a complete redesign.