Should I upgrade to a nismo?

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

I've owned both. Used to have an 09 touring/sport 6-speed. It was unfortunately totaled last year and I replaced it with a Nismo as a last resort. I couldn't find the right color/option combo and settled for a Nismo. Honestly in your situation it's not worth the loss of money. I'll break it down for you as best I can.

Power: There is a noticeable difference in power between the two but nothing drastic. I would describe the difference as taking a regular Z and adding exhaust to it. You feel the hp increase but it's nothing that's going to make you say "holy crap." It's not for example like he difference between a WRX and STI or Vette and Z06, etc. Still between my sport/touring with FI exhaust vs. my Nismo with FI exhaust, my Nismo is noticeably faster.

Suspension: On the street you won't really appreciate the difference between the two cars. In fact the only thing you will appreciate is how much stiffer and rougher the ride is in the Nismo. Honestly, I prefer the sport Z over the Nismo in this area. Yes on the track the subtle differences are apparent but for me I'm only at the track a few times a year; the rest is spent driving to work every day.

Body kit: this has already been mentioned. Pretty much you will not match the fit and finish as well as functionality of the NIMSO compared to aftermarket. In order to get an equivalent kit and also have it nicely painted and installed you will spend big money. Also, this is very subjective as some hate the "fast and furious" look while others like it. I find myself torn between liking both. Some days I like my Nismo kit and some days I wish I didn't have it. Then again I think it's more that I miss my old color (yellow) as it really popped.

Cost: As already mentioned the price between nismo and standard is not 10k. I got my Nismo for 35k which was pretty much the same price as the touring/sport I was looking at. In your case you'll take a hit as you just bought your car so again probably not the best financial choice

Racing: you mention your friends EVO; forget about it. I've ran both modified and stock EVO X's at the track. In stock form you can best the EVO as long as you can get off the line. Typically they will pull 1/2 to 1 car length due to the AWD advantage but as long as you can get the Z off the line you should be able to pull out a win, although not by much. Modified, forget it. Typically even with basic bolts once they get off the line you won't be able to catch up. The AWD just gives them a big advantage off the line. From a roll the EVO can not match the Z stock. I'm not saying you'll blow it's doors off but you should be able to walk away from one. Modified it depends. The two I raced only had basic mods but I never did find out their exact set up. Both managed to hang with my Nismo with FI exhaust up to about 100mph at which point I started walking away, slowly. That being said the EVO doesn't need much to be able to make 400hp hp at which point the Z would need either turbos or supercharger to keep up. The Z is a great car but it's limited which how far you can go unless you go with forced induction.

In the end the Nismo doesn't offer a whole lot over a regular Z and in fact when comparing to a touring model you are actually having to compromise with the interior. You can't go wrong either way but considering you already have a 370z I would just stick with it and fix it up the way you want. Or if you are really hell bent on beating your buddy with the EVO get yourself a used Vette for 30k or new one for 40-45k. Then you EVO friend will be having to pull out all the stops to keep up with you.