First 370Z test drive ... Mixed Emotions!

Magic Bus

Coltrain, I have a 12 GTI and enjoy that car, plus a 13 Z picked up this past Wed. I agree with most of this post, with the GTI it's the turbo you're feeling and on the Z, yes it's very linear.

On my first test drive on a 12Z, my driving impression was very similar to yours, not really impressed, as my test drive was very short and controlled as well. Then I had a long test drive on a 12 M3 on 2 hwy's and a mountain road, sales rep said gas it, don't be shy, so I did. I drove it over the century mark and was impressed, but this car was more than I wanted to spend. So I went for another test drive on the Z, this time I asked the sales rep if I could take it on a certain route (same as M3) and he said okay. He didn't know I was going to drive it like a bat out of hell, but I did and I was sold on the Z. While the M3 was a little faster with a smoother engine as you near red line. The Z more than holds it's own on acceleration and handling.

Based on your 2nd paragraph above. The Z will fill this criteria and then some.

Drove my Z on Wed, GTI on Thurs, Z on Friday. Honestly, it's no comparison, I love driving the Z soo much more. It doesn't have that push you in your seat like the GTI when the turbo kicks in, but the Z is just much faster all around. The GTI has become the practical hauler for me.

Get a 2nd test drive and drive that puppy. You'll be impressed as I was.