Z06 vs. 370Z

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 02:40 AM

Initially, when I came here, I was comparing a Z06 to a 370Z.

WTF?

Why?

HOW!?

Well, we will get to that. The 370Z is a very capable car, but nowhere near as violent in the acceleration department as the 'vette. As you know, I ended up with the 'vette for that reason.

What I discovered:

Power is awesome. Power is nice. EVERYONE should own a Supercar (or for those of you who want to be nit-picky, a car with supercar performance in every aspect) at SOME point in their lives if it is financially practical. It's a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

However, you get used to that power. Don't believe me? Look at how many Z06 owners are throwing FI and/or cam into their cars. They want more. We always adapt and want more. It's human nature.

Well, what good is "more" to me? By the time I hit 3rd I have already doubled the legal limit on most roads in my area. Sure, WOT is fun...for the literally 3-4 seconds that its legal.

Then I find myself cruising on the freeway and thinking "Damn...I wish my stereo were nicer. I wish these seats were a bit firmer. I..."

Oh, but I can knock anything else's **** in the dirt but a ZR1 or a GT2 or the 5.2L R8? Who cares from that perspective (and it never was about that for me), I never see those, and NOTHING has challenged my supremacy in the nearly 1 year/3600 miles I have had my Z06. People pointedly "ignore" me in their SS's and Mustangs and whatnot.

Anyway, I set about planning to move here in the next year (I hate my current state of residence for almost every/any reason you can name), and a little more money in the bank acct. is always a + when planning a move. Also, I want a car with a bit nicer interior, and handling has slowly become more important to me than brute acceleration. Owning pony cars early in life caused me to think 0-120 was all that mattered. Then I went to Spring Mountain Motorsports ranch where a few instructors in stock Camaro SS's made fools of us in ZR1's when we couldn't keep up with them. I learned a painful (to my ego) lesson.

So, fast-forward.

Nissan puts an oil-cooler in the 370Z. The interior is sex. I know it's not as fast as my Z06, but it sure is nicer inside, costs less, and I always did like the car (although I never...and will never...pulled any punches when critiquing it. I also defended it on this forum where due, as well.)

Anyway, I think you will be shocked to see how the two cars compare in every aspect aside from 0-whatever acceleration. This was an eye-opener for me.

When '12 models with NAV/Coupe/6M/Touring combos hit the ground, I'm making the switch.

Enjoy...

Stand alone Video Player

vs.

Stand alone Video Player

In short, I had to own a Supercar to appreciate what the 370Z and other cars brought to the table. I would NEVER be happy with a 370Z had I not tasted that cake. In the end though, 505bhp has begun to feel like 350 horsepower in my old WS6. We adapt. Sadly, we don't adapt positively to poor interiors, lol. I think I will be able to fully appreciate a 370Z now, whereas before, I never could have.

Jordo! · 10-27-2011, 03:01 AM

Well... you could always buy a Z, boost it and enjoy the best of both worlds

Not sure how fast the ZO6's depreciate, but I bet once you sell it, you'd have more than enough left over for some sort of madman Z project if you wanted...

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

Well... you could always buy a Z, boost it and enjoy the best of both worlds

Not sure how fast the ZO6's depreciate, but I bet once you sell it, you'd have more than enough left over for some sort of madman Z project if you wanted...

I have watched all these vids of the boosted 370Z's on here and it's not very inspiring to me. It would cost me less to do a full Caravaggio interior than it would to fix all the flaws the 370Z would have at the 450whp mark. Further, part of my goal is monetary.

At 450whp...

The 370Z's transmission and rear-end are VERY poorly suited to performance. The powerband is not at all correct for the gearing.

The suspension is very out-classed, especially regarding wheel-base and tire/rim size. (I have some traction issues on some pavement with 325's out back and 50/50 static weight dist. in my Z06)

The warranty is shot (I love me a warranty!).

There are many more things that dissuade me, but no, the car will be left stock+ Ceramic window-tint, V1 detector, and nearly a full wrap with Avery Nanofusion. If the sound is too quiet, it will get a NISMO cat-back dealer-installed. I'm a warranty whore. I have owned a car that I spent more time looking at in the garage as they were completely stripped and re-built than I did actually owning it in a drivable state. I don't want to play that game again, because they never really perform as COMPLETELY as an OEM deal.

hdskull · 10-27-2011, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I have watched all these vids of the boosted 370Z's on here and it's not very inspiring to me. It would cost me less to do a full Caravaggio interior than it would to fix all the flaws the 370Z would have at the 450whp mark. Further, part of my goal is monetary.

At 450whp...

The 370Z's transmission and rear-end are VERY poorly suited to performance. The powerband is not at all correct for the gearing.

The suspension is very out-classed, especially regarding wheel-base and tire/rim size. (I have some traction issues on some pavement with 325's out back and 50/50 static weight dist. in my Z06)

The warranty is shot (I love me a warranty!).

There are many more things that dissuade me, but no, the car will be left stock+ Ceramic window-tint, V1 detector, and nearly a full wrap with Avery Nanofusion. If the sound is too quiet, it will get a NISMO cat-back dealer-installed. I'm a warranty whore. I have owned a car that I spent more time looking at in the garage as they were completely stripped and re-built than I did actually owning it in a drivable state. I don't want to play that game again, because they never really perform as COMPLETELY as an OEM deal.

I think if you at least get coilovers, you'll be very happy.

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdskull

I think if you at least get coilovers, you'll be very happy.

They don't seem to do anything for the NISMO

thetaste · 10-27-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

I have watched all these vids of the boosted 370Z's on here and it's not very inspiring to me. It would cost me less to do a full Caravaggio interior than it would to fix all the flaws the 370Z would have at the 450whp mark. Further, part of my goal is monetary.

At 450whp...

The 370Z's transmission and rear-end are VERY poorly suited to performance. The powerband is not at all correct for the gearing.

The suspension is very out-classed, especially regarding wheel-base and tire/rim size. (I have some traction issues on some pavement with 325's out back and 50/50 static weight dist. in my Z06)

The warranty is shot (I love me a warranty!).

There are many more things that dissuade me, but no, the car will be left stock+ Ceramic window-tint, V1 detector, and nearly a full wrap with Avery Nanofusion. If the sound is too quiet, it will get a NISMO cat-back dealer-installed. I'm a warranty whore. I have owned a car that I spent more time looking at in the garage as they were completely stripped and re-built than I did actually owning it in a drivable state. I don't want to play that game again, because they never really perform as COMPLETELY as an OEM deal.

Funny you say that. I put an LS1 in a 93 RX7 last/this year. Car performed flawlessly and was nice, but as you say. Something was missing. Interior fit and finish. I got all that with the 370 now.
Good luck. You are making a good decision. I had an 02 Z06 a few years ago. Yes the power was nice, but it was missing nice seats and interior.

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thetaste

Funny you say that. I put an LS1 in a 93 RX7 last/this year. Car performed flawlessly and was nice, but as you say. Something was missing. Interior fit and finish. I got all that with the 370 now.
Good luck. You are making a good decision. I had an 02 Z06 a few years ago. Yes the power was nice, but it was missing nice seats and interior.

IMO/IMExperience, the C5 interior was better than the C6 interior. It may not have looked as nice, but I feel that higher quality leather, etc. was used.

My Z06 is fun and all, but when I settle in for a drive on the freeway, it really leaves me wanting unless I romp on it, and you can't do that 100% of the time like you can enjoy a nice stereo and comfortable seats.

RRonin · 10-27-2011, 07:02 AM

ImportConvert, I completely see where you are coming from. I've owned an 03 Z06 and the 07 Z06 and now I'm thinking about switching to the 370z. While the power of the Z06s were intoxicating for a while the price of owning them did not make sense to me. They were dds for me and I put a tons of miles on them. The interiors were lacking for a car of there price.

I've always appreciated the z cars and it amazes me the V6 puts out more HP than my 95 Z28. It may sound crazy but even the base z interior looks better than the Z06.

Now I need to decide between the sport/touring or Nismo. You seem to be leaning towards the sport/touring is that because of the amenities it offers?

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRonin

ImportConvert, I completely see where you are coming from. I've owned an 03 Z06 and the 07 Z06 and now I'm thinking about switching to the 370z. While the power of the Z06s were intoxicating for a while the price of owning them did not make sense to me. They were dds for me and I put a tons of miles on them. The interiors were lacking for a car of there price.

I've always appreciated the z cars and it amazes me the V6 puts out more HP than my 95 Z28. It may sound crazy but even the base z interior looks better than the Z06.

Now I need to decide between the sport/touring or Nismo. You seem to be leaning towards the sport/touring is that because of the amenities it offers?

Yes, I have never seen any evidence that the NISMO suspension does anything but make the car ride rougher. I think 1 magazine test showed a .01 or .02g improvement vs. the Sport suspension (different days, but that's the point, any day of the week the Sport suspension may out-gun or equal the NISMO suspension. Not impressed).

Further, I want NAV, the NISMO only has 4 speakers, I want leather, and I have fondled the NISMO body-kit and it was very cheezy. The inner fender-wells flopped around and it just looked like crap to me.

The Sport package creates 0 lift front or rear. Your (and my) Z06 actually have lift.

NISMO just holds ZERO appeal to me. Sport/Touring/NAV is where it's at for me.

NISMO test: http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...nismo-370z.pdf
Sport test: http://media.caranddriver.com/files/...san-370z-1.pdf

fuzzywuzzy · 10-27-2011, 07:10 AM

Nice wright up but a Z06 is NOT a supercar. Ferrari, Pagani, Lambo's ets are.

m4a1mustang · 10-27-2011, 07:13 AM

I think he meant supercar-like performance. Which you do get with the Z06.

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I think he meant supercar-like performance. Which you do get with the Z06.

From my OP...

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Well, we will get to that. The 370Z is a very capable car, but nowhere near as violent in the acceleration department as the 'vette. As you know, I ended up with the 'vette for that reason.

What I discovered:

Power is awesome. Power is nice. EVERYONE should own a Supercar (or for those of you who want to be nit-picky, a car with supercar performance in every aspect) at SOME point in their lives if it is financially practical. It's a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Reading. You need to go forth and teach it to others!

puckshaw · 10-27-2011, 07:44 AM

The C6 interior is what kept me from getting into a Vette so far. I couldn't justify spending that much money on a car knowing that I hated the interior. Honestly, I prefer the exterior styling of the Z over the Vette as well. I've decided to hang on to the Z until the C7 comes out and then figure out where to go from there. The engine is my only disappointment with the Z. I'm hoping the C7 delivers the whole package for a reasonable price: nice interior and excellent performance.

m4a1mustang · 10-27-2011, 07:46 AM

I think the C7 will be a big hit. GM knows they have to step it up. I'd like to see the Caddy design team working on the interior.

ImportConvert · 10-27-2011, 07:49 AM

I'm thinking about going C7, but not until it has been out for 3 years or so and all the little things that go wrong are revised. It happened with the C5 (oil consumption, piston slap), and it happened with the C6 (wheel-bearings, rear-end). It will likely happen to the C7.

I think the 370Z is pretty well ironed out with the addition of the oil cooler. Yes, the engine is said to "sound harsh", but I have never heard of one popping yet, so it can sound however it wants, as long as no breakage occurs, it will have performed as expected in my book.

10-27-2011, 02:40 AM	#1 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7626	Z06 vs. 370Z Initially, when I came here, I was comparing a Z06 to a 370Z. WTF? Why? HOW!? Well, we will get to that. The 370Z is a very capable car, but nowhere near as violent in the acceleration department as the 'vette. As you know, I ended up with the 'vette for that reason. What I discovered: Power is awesome. Power is nice. EVERYONE should own a Supercar (or for those of you who want to be nit-picky, a car with supercar performance in every aspect) at SOME point in their lives if it is financially practical. It's a blast and I would do it again in a heartbeat! However, you get used to that power. Don't believe me? Look at how many Z06 owners are throwing FI and/or cam into their cars. They want more. We always adapt and want more. It's human nature. Well, what good is "more" to me? By the time I hit 3rd I have already doubled the legal limit on most roads in my area. Sure, WOT is fun...for the literally 3-4 seconds that its legal. Then I find myself cruising on the freeway and thinking "Damn...I wish my stereo were nicer. I wish these seats were a bit firmer. I..." Oh, but I can knock anything else's **** in the dirt but a ZR1 or a GT2 or the 5.2L R8? Who cares from that perspective (and it never was about that for me), I never see those, and NOTHING has challenged my supremacy in the nearly 1 year/3600 miles I have had my Z06. People pointedly "ignore" me in their SS's and Mustangs and whatnot. Anyway, I set about planning to move here in the next year (I hate my current state of residence for almost every/any reason you can name), and a little more money in the bank acct. is always a + when planning a move. Also, I want a car with a bit nicer interior, and handling has slowly become more important to me than brute acceleration. Owning pony cars early in life caused me to think 0-120 was all that mattered. Then I went to Spring Mountain Motorsports ranch where a few instructors in stock Camaro SS's made fools of us in ZR1's when we couldn't keep up with them. I learned a painful (to my ego) lesson. So, fast-forward. Nissan puts an oil-cooler in the 370Z. The interior is sex. I know it's not as fast as my Z06, but it sure is nicer inside, costs less, and I always did like the car (although I never...and will never...pulled any punches when critiquing it. I also defended it on this forum where due, as well.) Anyway, I think you will be shocked to see how the two cars compare in every aspect aside from 0-whatever acceleration. This was an eye-opener for me. When '12 models with NAV/Coupe/6M/Touring combos hit the ground, I'm making the switch. Enjoy... Stand alone Video Player vs. Stand alone Video Player In short, I had to own a Supercar to appreciate what the 370Z and other cars brought to the table. I would NEVER be happy with a 370Z had I not tasted that cake. In the end though, 505bhp has begun to feel like 350 horsepower in my old WS6. We adapt. Sadly, we don't adapt positively to poor interiors, lol. I think I will be able to fully appreciate a 370Z now, whereas before, I never could have. Last edited by ImportConvert; 10-27-2011 at 02:43 AM.

10-27-2011, 03:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 417	Well... you could always buy a Z, boost it and enjoy the best of both worlds Not sure how fast the ZO6's depreciate, but I bet once you sell it, you'd have more than enough left over for some sort of madman Z project if you wanted... __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it.

10-27-2011, 07:13 AM	#11 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I think he meant supercar-like performance. Which you do get with the Z06. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-27-2011, 07:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	I think the C7 will be a big hit. GM knows they have to step it up. I'd like to see the Caddy design team working on the interior. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-27-2011, 07:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
RRonin Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Frederick MD Posts: 8 Drives: 2012 Nismo Rep Power: 13	ImportConvert, I completely see where you are coming from. I've owned an 03 Z06 and the 07 Z06 and now I'm thinking about switching to the 370z. While the power of the Z06s were intoxicating for a while the price of owning them did not make sense to me. They were dds for me and I put a tons of miles on them. The interiors were lacking for a car of there price. I've always appreciated the z cars and it amazes me the V6 puts out more HP than my 95 Z28. It may sound crazy but even the base z interior looks better than the Z06. Now I need to decide between the sport/touring or Nismo. You seem to be leaning towards the sport/touring is that because of the amenities it offers?

10-27-2011, 07:10 AM	#10 (permalink)
fuzzywuzzy Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: In a house Posts: 211 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 15	Nice wright up but a Z06 is NOT a supercar. Ferrari, Pagani, Lambo's ets are.

10-27-2011, 07:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
puckshaw Track Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 620 Drives: 09 PW 370Z Touring Rep Power: 16	The C6 interior is what kept me from getting into a Vette so far. I couldn't justify spending that much money on a car knowing that I hated the interior. Honestly, I prefer the exterior styling of the Z over the Vette as well. I've decided to hang on to the Z until the C7 comes out and then figure out where to go from there. The engine is my only disappointment with the Z. I'm hoping the C7 delivers the whole package for a reasonable price: nice interior and excellent performance.

10-27-2011, 07:49 AM	#15 (permalink)
ImportConvert A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: SWMO Posts: 4,454 Drives: 2019 CX5 GT Reserve Rep Power: 7626	I'm thinking about going C7, but not until it has been out for 3 years or so and all the little things that go wrong are revised. It happened with the C5 (oil consumption, piston slap), and it happened with the C6 (wheel-bearings, rear-end). It will likely happen to the C7. I think the 370Z is pretty well ironed out with the addition of the oil cooler. Yes, the engine is said to "sound harsh", but I have never heard of one popping yet, so it can sound however it wants, as long as no breakage occurs, it will have performed as expected in my book.