370z Driving Feel
 

For it's price, we all know the Z performs great #'s wise (straightline and ever more so in the corners) and it even improves upon the 350z in every way, there is something more to be desired from the overall driving experience. In creating a better Z, something was lost along the way. What the 350z had was a living aura. Even if it performed worse, it felt alive. Watch some behind-the-wheel 350z YouTube videos to refresh your memory. Remember the promo "The Run"? That sums it up.This 370z, while super quick and precise, feels cold - almost ghostly.

Care to express your thoughts on the Z's driving feel? What do other members here who own a 370z think? How does your driving experience compare vs prior cars; BMW, Mini, Mazda, Subaru, Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Honda, Mercedes?

Having driven 33,000 miles since Feb. 2009, I'll start first.

Many car reviewers complained about NVH, road noise, and the high-rpm engine ruckus. It's more than that. To try and put it into words...

- I've got to drive 8+/10 of the car's limit (acceleration/corners) to really enjoy it. For those times I'm just cruising, if there's traffic, or if I just want to chill, I don't enjoy driving the car at all and it becomes more of a chore. Like a caged wild beast, it's just dying to roam free. It seems like it's really not in the car's personality to enable the driver just to sit back, drive casually, appreciate "all its' little things', and enjoy the ride. I'm not talking about creature comforts here, more about the general lack of "sports car refinement" in the feel and acoustics of the car pertaining to the powertrain, intake, exhaust, suspension, shifter, throttle, on and on. Something's missing... like the body is there but the soul is not.

Some may just brush it off and say "it's a sports car - it's supposed to be like that". However...


- There is some sort of manufactured artificial feel to it that makes me feel disconnected from the road and driving experience. A sports car should not be like this. It's like going at it bare-back vs. going at it solo WITH a condom if you know what I mean. There's just a certain numbness and fakeness to it. I'm not sure if its the suspension or chassis tuning, engine/throttle response. Now I'm 100% stock so those of you that are modified feel free to chime in here.

- It would've been ideal if the driving experience felt like it was more than what the performance #'s shows on paper. In that regards, a little more like a BMW.

- Smooth roads are great but... There is a general lack of suspension/chassis tuning and refinement on non-smooth roads. Any type of highway bridge joints or just general uneven pavement makes the car twitchy & jittery and feel sloppy cornering. It's borderline nasty and makes me dread the noises and feel of it.

- It's been well talked about on Edmunds Inside Line and other automobile blogs/reviews, that given a choice between a garage full of other cars and the Z, the Z is one of the last one out of the garage. Everybody knows what awesome performance and beautiful exterior the Z has but I feel Nissan's design decisions & sacrifices in search for performance #'s for $30k totally lends itself to NOT being a more well-rounded sports car.

It's almost as if the 370z is designed to be a 3rd car, one for the weekends where you really couldn't give a sh!t driving balls to the walls like a madman. If they really wanted to go all out on performance and chase #'s, go all out and forget all the creature comforts and compromises like emissions, MPG, muffling the intake/exhaust, trying to make the car smoother. Be a brutish, crass, unrefined hardcore mofo - don't even attempt to hide it! It should be like a stripped down POWER version of what S2000 stands for in terms of handling .... and do it well. A 375HP/380TQ "Japanese Muscle Car" that can handle the corners a bit. Then there would be no trying to mask it as a sports car. We would all know what it is.

Does it suffer an identity crisis and lack focus? Is that why sales of the 370z suck so badly? You can mention the weak economy but lots of other cars like the new Muscle Cars are selling well. I chalk it up to being lifeless and unable to stir the emotions of the marketplace.


Or is it really just me?!

Happy :driving:

5 easy steps to your lil problem

1) stop whining
2) sell the car
3) get laid
4) buy another car that makes you happy
5) be happy

Well, i came from another cheap 'sports' car and i have to admit, the s2000 has much better driving feel...in a way more connected to the road. However, for long commutes, it becomes an absolute chore with the engine sound, vibrations and crampness of space...

I still love both cars though...

Not whining, just describing my experiences with the car. Hopefully, my post does not make you feel bad about your choice of buying the car. If my post messes with your mind, sorry about that.

That being said, I wish others were chiming in on the driving experience in detail rather than just solely focusing on higher HP and knick-knack stuff most of the time. These forums are lacking in that regard.

funny, why would your post make me feel bad about my choice? i use mine as a DD and i have a nice stretch of canyon road between my house and my work and i couldnt ask for a better car than the Z. Perfect car for me.


and thats coming from a person that used to drive a SLK :rolleyes:


edit: I wouldnt doubt that there are cars that have better handling/power/comfort than the Z, but honestly, i think you are exaggerating a lil

Care to elaborate on your experiences with driving the car so far?

My previous vehicles are a 350z (sold when I started school back), a Tacoma (my dad let me borrow while in school), and another 350z (when I graduated). I bought the 370z in February and have put about 7k miles on it since then.
I absolutely loved my first 350, and for the three years that I drove my dad's truck, I can honestly say that I missed the Z every day. As soon as I graduated and got a job, I bought another one. I kept it for about a year and then bought the 370. As much as I loved the 350, I don't miss it at all, except for the ability to see individual tire pressures. The new Z lacks in that quality.
Other than that one irritation, I love my 370z. It's everything that I expected it to be. Bumpy, noisy, not always easy to drive, but fun as can be. The attention is awesome, especially now that I've modded it some. Of course it could be quieter, smoother, easy to drive long distances, etc. But are any true sports cars that way?
I bought all three of my Zs for having fun, and they have fulfilled that perfectly.

it is louder than other cars true but, its designed that way. My previous whip was an slk230 which I loved to drive but secretly yearned for more brute. This is a more muscular type of true sports car. The performance is just wow.

Coming from a G37S coupe, I find the 370Z an improvement in every way for what I want out of a car. It's tighter, better screwed together, sharper, and provides a more direct, intense feel. Style-wise, it's a much better proportioned car.

When my son was born 20 years ago, I was forced to go on sports car hiatus. The string of coupes, sedans, and SUVs gave me a good appreciation for my Z.

I spent more time researching and test driving cars than I ever have in the past. I'm at that stage in life where I can afford to get what I want, and I spent a lot of time at the BMW (M3) and Porsche (Caymen and 911S) dealerships. I'm also at that stage in life where I'm not interested in paying exhorbitant prices just to maintain a car. This is my daily driver.

I think part of the problem here is that we tend to take every written comment as gospel. Sure Car and Driver had problems on the track with the Z, but the closest mine will ever get to a track is the spectator parking lot.

Cars are probably the most personal purchase we make. They can be an extension of ourselves, or they can be an appliance. Obviously, if you are on this forum, it's the former.

That being said, what works for me doesn't necessarily mean it works for you. Before you get wrapped-up in what the media says, sit back and think about what drew you to purchase a Z, and if that has somehow changed, be it too great expectations, or just disappointment in performance compared to a previous car.

We tend to be nostalgic when it comes to our impressions of past rides. I remember when the 280ZX was introduced. It was roundly trashed by every car magazine at the time, and probably rightly so compared to its 280Z predecessor. Today, it has earned hero status in the minds of many.

There's not going to be a car on the market that you don't find fault with after a month of driving every day. It's easy to put a garage queen on a pedestal, but until you put in the requisite seat time, it's a jaded love affair.

As to your question to why Z sales are so slow, I'd venture to say it's the economy, the total lack of promotion on Nissan's part, and a change in the demographics of the car-buying public. Back in the Dark ages when I was in high school, no one would be caught dead in a four door car unless they were borrowing their mom's car (mine had a Olds 98) for a prom date; hell even my Dad was driving a Cutlass Supreme coupe. Today, kids aspire to Accords and Camrys and Sonatas.

Cars are very personal so two different people can have opinions of the same car that are completely different.

That said, I think the Z has good feel. It's not quite like Porsche Cayman S... ok, not at all... but starting at nearly $30k less I couldn't care less. It was plenty enough to put a big smile on my face every time I drove mine.

I know a douchebag or two think I traded mine in on a 5.0 because I am a Z-hating, baby-eating, Obama-hating, change-avoiding, hope-crushing, redneck monster. But I'm really just a genuine car guy. I recognized the pluses and minuses of the Z and enjoyed the hell out of every minute of it for 18 months, and then I moved on to something else.

If you want a 2-seat sports car it's hard to beat the Z for the money.

They are lacking because you really don't talk about driving feel. You get out there and feel it!

As far as driving feel, I would say this: the current Z generation provides a fun filled driving experience. Sure the car is raw, noisy, loud, rough, has a chatty clutch, kidney shaker is not the fastest (though Nissan never set out with that in mind) but that doesn't take away from the whole experience if not, it gets you involve all the more imo.

Are there better and more powerful alternatives to the Z? Absolutely.
Are those alternatives as great in terms of value? I think not. Paying $500/oil change and repairs that were high enough to be a fraction of the price of the Z got old after a few years, so Z for the win to me for a long time.

As far as the low sales numbers, I would attribute it more so on the current economic environment, the other cars you vaguely referred to have functional rear seats. Honestly, I don't mind enjoying the scarcity of the Z while it lasts, the current gen is going on 3 years but it's still fairly scarce to come by one on the road.

Really the only thing I agreed with in the initial post is the "3rd car" part. This is not a family hauler car. This is not a 10mph commute crawl for 2 hours car. This is not a drive to school every day car. This is a car for when you're driving for the sake of driving, at a time and place that allows for it.

:iagree:

It is what it is... I find it to be an absolute blast when driving it when and where it likes to be driven.. (not on a commute)

I think the z has some of the best driving feel you will find under 35k. It's pretty transparent compared to most modern cars.

The tough thing is every couple years, standards for steering feel change. I remember people bitching about how the s2000 felt disconnected from the road--it's laughable now.
The only other inexpensive performance car I feel like has steering on par with the z is the wrx, and even then, it's a totally different experience. (not counting the miata here)

I think the z does frustrate some people (me included) when they made sacrifices like the rough engagement of the trans, clutch chatter, tons of tire noise, etc....while gearing most of the car for a luxury ride. It's a frustrating feeling for a car to feel so "raw", but have a silent exhaust, nose dive on 6k fronts, no oil cooler, severe understeer dialed into setup, fuel starve, etc.

I think nissan couldnt quite decide the target market for the car, and it showed. A little more dedication to the raw side, and we'd likely be seeing them all over the track.

If the steering feel, etc, in the z doesn't do it for you, I don't think anything new under 50k will. Time to shop for a miata or a Porsche.

I associate the OP's comments with my own impression that the Z would feel more sporty if it were more nimble and tossable. However, that would mean shedding weight which would have to come from the engine I suppose. Then we'd be without the power that makes the car so much fun to drive.

Oh, and I hear Steve is change avoiding. Someone saw him dump all his pennies into a tip jar at Starbucks awhile back.

:iagree:

Personally I love the rawness of my Z. I think it has a great driving feel. I never feel disconnected from the driving experience. I would say to the OP that if you have the feelings you have toward the Z then maybe its not the right car for you.

I totally agree the Z would become an even better car if it could shed more weight, but there will be tradeoffs with that: either (a) the car gets way noisier (drop a bunch of sound-insulation / interior type crap), or (b) the price goes up due to more expensive lightweight materials doing the same job.

You want sports car feel? Get a 1994 Miata R Package.
Lightweight, no power steering... no power anything for that matter!
I guarantee you'll always feel connected to the driving experience no matter how few tenths you're driving at.

:icon17:

BTW I agree with pretty much everything Dan said.

I will also say that people that piss on Miatas are not real car people! They are UBER FUN.

I think the Z feels fantastic to drive. It's subdued when I'm cruising around town, but I can toss it through twisties like a demon. The engine is fantastic, the steering feel is fantastic. I never feel out of control in the car. It handles like it's on rails. I like the stock exhaust being quiet, because it creates a low profile. I have immense amounts of fun in the car, it was worth every penny.

I find the Z to be a great balance between liveable and fun to drive/raw/engaging.

I've got a 2012 on order...and I've never even driven one! In fact, I ordered a touring / sport in red and I've never seen: a touring..or a sport...or a red! Yeah, call me crazy. The only one they had at the dealership was super-base and I didn't even want to drive it. Sat in it to make sure I liked the overall layout & placed my order.

I'm *guessing* it's going to handle better & have more power than my Ridgeline does though. And I'm also going to assume it won't pull 3Gs like my kart will, but oh well - that's why I have the kart.

Is the Z34 the best car ever made? Of course not. It has its faults. But I love driving it as my DD, it turns heads everywhere I go, and it has the power when I want to have some extra fun. It's my first sports car and I have absolutely zero regret. Plus the community is great. Just the other day I drove by a 350Z and he gave me a big grin and thumbs up from across the median so I returned the favor. I'm glad I don't drive another generic mustang.

I suggest test driving one in the meantime.

The touring seats are different than the base seats. They feel nicer generally, but they have electronics in them which make them feel tighter. The sport package is quite different than base as well.

Do yourself a favor and find a sport/touring, even if it's on a used lot somewhere, and drive it around for a minute to get to know the car. :D

i fell asleep after about the first paragraph. :yawn:

Then you missed his capsule review of charburgers with cheese fries.

:iagree: scottIN you don't want to be part of the "I thought the car did this and that" wagon.

Congrats on your purchase too boss :tup:

well cant spend too much time here, (at work)

but i completely disagree with the OP regarding the comparison to the 350z

The 370z to me has better feel for the road and feedback to the driver. But its not as raw as the 350z.

The control and refinement is much much better.

I honestly did not like the 350z at all. Never even bothered to look at the 370z because of it untill i just happened to pass one by the dealership.

OP - I agree on a lot of your points, although I wouldn't go as far as your final conclusion.

The main thing I agree on is that driving in traffic (or anywhere less than 4/10 or 5/10 of the cars potential) is no fun at all. Especially with a manual, this car does NOT want to cruise at low speeds. My perception is that the car is only comfortable under moderate-to-heavy acceleration or cruising at highway speeds. I would blame this on a lack of sophistication in the drivetrain (for example, the clutch feel/sound at low speeds, the engine's general hatred of being below 2000 rpms, touchy brake pedal, quiet exhaust etc).

Having said that, the fact that the car feels so comfortable being pushed hard makes me think that the engineers accomplished their primary goal, and that the lacking sophistication is what accounts for the price difference between this car and a BMW/Porsche/etc.

There are, however, some really good "driving qualities" about this car. The chassis is solid. The suspension feels solid with minimal body roll (compared to a normal car). The steering wheel is responsive, precise, pleasantly heavy (all subjective), and is geared so that you don't have to turn the wheel much to make the tires turn a particular amount. The torque curve is nice and flat above 3k rpms. Getting into the car feels like buckling into a fighter plane or something - nice supportive seat, enclosed space, controls all facing the diver, big tachometer in your face.

There are also some good mods that make the car feel more alive. A stainless steel clutch cable, lighter clutch helper spring, and a more appropriate exhaust go a long way in that department. Overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives for me.

I have to say, though, that over time the positive qualities start to seem "normal" and the negative qualities start to seem more negative. The solution is to drive another car for a day and get a reality check. I have a 2001 maxima that accomplishes that for me, and if that wasn't enough I borrowed a friend's old Ford Ranger for a couple days to move some stuff. Now THAT was a reality check.

+1 :iagree:

wat the... :eek:

:mad: nothing there!

:bowrofl::bowrofl::bowrofl:

I've only had my Z for about a month now and as soon as I got it i fell in love. Its a drivers car. It's tricky to drive and it takes a bit of skill and balls to push it to its limit. thats why I like it. Since I've bought mine one of my friends bought a wrx and one a brand new evo. The Z is the sexiest of the tree and gets the most looks while we're out hands down. I get in those to drive and it feels like im driving a toy.

Some excellent points you guys bring up. It's nice to see things from a different perspective as well.

I 100% agree that the engineers accomplished their primary performance goal - but is that goal expecting too little?
Yes, Nissan couldn't quite the decide the target market for the car. The business side of things definetly impacted the car negatively.


Maybe it is me and I've outgrown the car. I can't ask too much for $30k.
In the end, it is what Z car has always stood for - a poor man's sports car. Or looking at it differently, a helluva sports car bargain. Can't fault it in the areas it's lacking.

You might have answered this previously but what car are you going with next?

he already sounds like a bimmer owner.. aka _____

:bowrofl: hopefully Red doesn't read your post Ken :icon17:

hahaha... uh oh. :icon17:

:icon23: