roadster vs nismo (a topic of opinion)
 

alright i'm very close to a purchase point here but i've recently become somewhat torn between hunting down a decent deal on a Nismo or a Roadster (probably somewhere in the '10 - '11 range based on my budget).

I had been hell bent on a nismo until I really started thinking deep about the driving experience a vert is likely to offer the driver as well. At first I thought it was much less of a car, and would be far less powerful, etc but it seems like unless you are a track god the differences would be minimal (especially for someone like me who's never even owned a sports car). So then it came down to a difference in looks, and this has been the sticking point that has caused my indecision. I really dislike the backend of the roadster, too big and round and not aggressive enough, where the nismo has near perfect styling IMO.

SO, my question is this, for anyone out there that has owned or driven both the nismo model and the roadster model, what are some things to expect from each? is the top-down sunny-day driving experience of the vert more or as enjoyable as the slightly more powerful and better handling nismo? is there some decent kits for the rear of the roadster that give it a bit more edgier styling? (I've seen a few on here but not a lot)

Anyways, thx for ur time i do realize how subjective this topic is but would enjoy hearing some opinions/first hand feedback.

Gosh, I'm not worthy to post... :shakes head:

You can put a Nismo bumper on the roadster. You cannot put a ragtop on a Nismo.

I hope this thread doesn't turn into another non-nismo owners fight with nismo owners thread.

To answer your question, the nismo are very similar to the Roadster power wise. Nismo handles a little better but the ride is rougher for DD too. So it all boils down to the body styling which is subjective. If you really like the nismo look then you should go for a nismo. As for the body option on the Roadster, you can go with Amuse which looks very nice too.

I don't find a pic but I find a video of the Amuse roadster.

I guessing this is going to be a summer only car for you since you're in Ontario. That alone should sway your decision to the roadster. Like Chuck said, there are a lot of options out there allowing you to change the look of the back bumper, but no way to make a Nismo into a convertible.

was in the same boat as you few months back.. but ended up with the nismo because the backend/trunk of the vert bothered me alot and i like the nismo kit , cluster, and the production number.. the blind spot sucks alot on the nismo.. even till now i have trouble cutting over to the left on the highways..
i never been in a 370z vert but i have been in my friends s2000 and that feeling of driving a vert in a nice weather night is unbeatable..
but its all up to u.. if you can live with that backend/trunk of the vert.. i would go for that because you can always put the nismo rims, nismo body kit, etc on it and have the best of both worlds.. unless if you want to make it into a track car then the nismo would be a better choice..

Flip a coin. Heads = Nismo, Tails = Vert. You'll know mid toss which one you really want.

I really don't like the 'vert top because it ruins the lines of the car (just my opinion, mind you). I'd say it's just personal preference. Depends on what you want to do with the car - as others have said, the vert weighs more.

From what I read seems like you really want the Nismo. Also I'm sure you know but remember the Nismo is manual only.

Are you still going to keep the Kia? If so then not your daily so easier to compromise. But if your dd then I lean hatch so you have more space and wont feel as cramped in the vert.

Both exclusive and both look good, so just find one that fits what you need and is in the best shape.

I agree that the Nismo has a better look. I love the feeling of freedom a rag top offers but the better handling of the Nismo is where I would be.

The Nismo is alot of car for one who has never owned a sports car before. You may be best served by the 'vert from what you have stated.

Good luck.

looks like op decided to get a mustang instead.

ahaha what?

You guys scared him off.

great responses, that video is sick! and that car has much closer to the look that i would be happy with (side skirts, rear bumper - i'd have to see it top down to know forsure how i feel about that large of a wing).

FYI: this will NOT be my daily driver, nice assumption TXSpeedDemon

I'm not interested in an automatic sports car

A mustang is nowhere near up my alley, looks god awful compared to any Z, and i'm assuming would be much heavier, not to mention u see them everywhere.

I'll probably trade the kia for something with 4x4 or at least more winter capable.

It's true, I really do want the Nismo, but after some of these responses (ie. the feeling of top down summer night driving) and the fact that you can apparently get a nismo (rear?) bumper that fits the vert model makes me REALLY lean towards roadster. just a little more aggressiveness in that back end would make it a clear cut choice.