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.

Wow, very insightful AND helpful! Please go back to whatever rock you crawled out from under that allows you to post on a car forum over 9,000 times in less than two years. And if you do decide to poke your head out again, at least take the time to realize that companies from countries all over the world now make quality, respectable automobiles.

the z will not look outdated quickly...

hell i dont even think the 300's look outdated.

^ yeah KENCHAN!
hehe
:stirthepot:

I'd choose neither. You can pick up a used C6 Corvette now for about the same as a Z touring + sport and it will blow the doors off both cars. :stirthepot:

so why didnt you :stirthepot:

I'm not too sure... Too bad I can't press rewind like in Forza :happydance:

In all seriousness, if time isn't an issue i would wait a couple months and see what the 2012 Genesis Coupe brings to the table. The power bump and minor updates should bring it very close if not even with the Z in terms of performance.

I say look at some others like a BMW 330 or rx8 the z is too hardcore for u.

I was looking at a used c6 myself and gen coupe and the 370z. The 370z was the most fun to drive and looked better IMO (the vette was close but only in white)

For the OP

Hyundai has targeted their gen coupe at people like you. Who want something fun and sporty but wont drive it to the limits.

Basically:

if you love the look of the 370z, get it.
if you love the interior of the 370z get it.

but if you are on edge between the 2 in those respects and then realize taht you wont drive it to the limits get the gen coupe. As easy as the z is to drive daily, the gen coupe would be easier.

Both would be good vehicles for you, but I think in this case you would have to really want the z and have no doubts about that. If you do, the gen coupe is the way to go. (keep test driving em and it may help)

np, op, just putting out the truth. can't handle it? there's no enthusiasm owning a hyundai (atleast not yet) other than if you got korean pride. there's absolutely nothing wrong with that! hell if i was korean i would get the gensis coupe just because it's the first 'cool' car they came out with for the US market.

but you will end up always having to explain to yourself and your friends and neighbors, etc. why you got the genesis couple. spill out the magazine spec-racer in you.

and i suppose for a 'smart shopper' aka walmart shopper that makes sense.
you get more for the money...even 2 extra seats in the back! :D :ugh2: again nothing wrong with that since one cant tell the difference.

btw, i am not saying hyundai's are crap cars, i am saying that there's no real carguy fun i can see owning a genesis coupe. to me gensis is like a corolla-s when kids really wanted to get the CivicSI but parent's wouldn't let them.

you post a new thread on the forums expect to get a variety of replies.

yah, truth hurts i know. :D

Until yesterday, I was stuck with the same decision, Z or Gencoupe. Coincidentally, it was also the Touring+Sport vs the 3.8 Track trims.

To me, the Genesis was like a baby G37, just a bit diluted in both performance and luxury.
On the other hand, the Z was a more raw and visceral ride. However, I don't think the extra 10% of performance would be missed much if you get the genesis instead of the z, both cars are capable enough be incredibly fun during hard driving.

The Hyundai looks good on paper...but feels like crap in real life.

How so? Can you elaborate? I did not find this to be the case after driving them both.

What truth? You presented no fact or informed opinion, just an absurd statement. I'm more than willing to consider your (and anyone else's for that matter) opinion, but please, drop the wacky sensationalism. It's hard to take someone like that seriously.

I very clearly can see the differences in the two cars, as I give thoughts and a somewhat detailed comparison of the two.

Was the original Z any less of a great driving sports car because no previous Z had been built? No! Did it magically get more powerful and grip the road better as more and more future generations were produced? No of course not. The history and heritage is a great story, but it's just that: a story. The 370Z is an awesome car, but it's great in its own right not because other cars Nissan/Datsun previously made shared the Z designation. Similarly, the Genesis Coupe doesn't drive any better or worse because of it's lack of a great story. Nissan certainly earned the reputation with their Z series of cars, but in the end using it to suggest the current car is superior to another car who lacks that history is simple branding and a marketing strategy. It shapes people's perception of a product, but doesn't make the product any better or worse in the objective sense. Stories are nice but not a factor for me. I'm more interested in this generation of both cars and driving them.

Regardless of which car I buy, I will never have to explain or justify my purchase with friends and family. They respect my decision making and choice to drive what I like regardless of its badge. Life after the teenage mentality of being "seen" and "acting cool" is really quite liberating. You have something to look forward to.

Have you weighed each car's ability of dealing with snow (Cleveland snow), or do you have another vehicle to cover you those 8 months of the year? :icon17:

Corvettes are cars for geriatrics though.... also WAYYYY to many of them.

Kenchan, you've been a bad bad boy! :gtfo2: lol j/k...

A very valid point. The car is likely to see action in the winter, and I've priced extra wheels with winter tires for both. I actually live just south of the snow belt, so the snow isn't too terrible. And the crews manage to do a decent job clearing the roads most of the time, thankfully. Around here a sure sign the weather is too bad for driving (except emergencies) is when they can't keep even the streets clear.

Driving in snow isn't terrible, just have to have the right tires and be careful. 4WD, RWD, FWD, AWD, if you drive careful and are aware of road conditions you will be fine. I probably see more people with 4WD/AWD getting themselves in trouble in winter because of overconfidence, forgetting that only helps them get the car moving but does little to nothing when it comes to steering/stopping.

I've driven enough in snow that I'd be fine with either one once I get the proper tires mounted.

there is a reason for everything and why things are the way they are. you even considering a genesis coupe shows hyundai did their research and targeted the right demographics. college kid (still a fresh innocent undecided or confused(?) mind), can fit friends in the car, affordable, cool looking car, even RWD like a real sports car! perfect! :tup:



you guys luv me too much for real world comments. :icon17:

Wow ken.... I think you got kenchan'd.... :D

Alright alright... kidding aside, OP, you need to take it easy. This is a public forum, and a Z forum at that. Folks here will have an opinion (most likely favorable) towards our Z's. But it is just that, an OPINION. So no need to get all hissy about that. You posted a question on the forum asking which car we think is better. Folks don't really have to justify their answers to you or anyone else. Take their opinions for what they're worth. If you don't like it, don't listen to it... simple as that. There's a lot of respectable folks on this forum, ken included. I guess he just feels strongly against Hyundai's :tiphat: no problem with that.

For example, if someone asked me to which I like better, the Z or a Mustang or a Vette, I can say the Z, because of several concrete reasons, or I can just say, I like it better. Period. Why? Doesn't even have to be a valid reason. I just like it better... just "feels" better to me. That's not a quantifiable reason right? But in the end, it's MY reason, and I gave it to answer a question.

That is EXACTLY how I felt about the Genesis coupe after driving it, compared to the Z. It felt so generic.... hard to explain. The driver connection to the car and to the road was absent. Does anyone else know what I mean? In the Z (and I'm sure in other well built cars like BMW, etc), I really felt connected to the car..... by the steering wheel, the sound, the feel of the road on my bottom, etc.... everything. Maybe it's just me :(

I thought very seriously about buying a Gen Coupe... and am still intrigued as to the revision or facelift which is upcoming.

For me, I felt like the Z was a truer sports car. That is what I wanted. I wanted the heritage, quality and performance of a Nissan Z car. That is something the Gen Coupe can't put out...even if they fill it with little tech accessories.

I drove both cars in the same day and which the Gen Coupe had "leather and brembos" didn't really change the fact that it was still a Hyundai and it was the FIRST model/year version of that chassis.

If you want something sporty, affordable and "ok" looking... get the Gen Coupe. If you want something that preforms better and has the heritage of a Z car, get the 370.

Call me biased, but I feel the Z looks better and is higher quality in just about every area. I would take my Base + Sport over a loaded 3.8 Track any day of the week.

^ OP, the statement above is again, an opinion. He claims the Z is better looking. Again, no way to quantify that. And FWIW, that's how I feel too... lol... Z = much better looking.

yah, i tend to confuse myself at times but this thread my head is very clear. :icon18:

and no i dont hate hyundai's, i will probably never own one but that doesn't mean i have any hate for them. their offerings just does not target me. :)


it's made for the very general public. people that aren't true car enthusiats but want something cool and sporty. nothing wrong with hyundai's design or marketing style for their genesis coupe. it's just not at the level of commitment as a sports car, that's all. and i dont think they ever intended the car to be. :)

And if you post this on the Hyundai forums, we most likely get the same answers, plus things against the 370z.

At most what Genesis owners are going to say, they just like their cars and we like ours. And I respect our opinions. I mean, what better way to show our appreciation of car than to choose what we like without being crucified. Last thing I want to see is everyone owning a Toyota Camry circa 1990s.

a car of choice needs to make sense for the owner (or lessee). even if you drove 2 cars back to back and reviewed it, it's still just an opinion based on one's background.

but the truth of the matter is, these are 2 very different cars targeted at 2 different demographics. i just happen to fit in the 370Z demographics more so than a genesis coupe.

i'd get a new G37C over a genesis coupe if something happened to my G35C as it's non replacable. if something happened to my Z i'd get another Z. i wont be looking anywhere at a hyundai catalog that's for sure. :)

what's a kenchan?