I have always been more of a fan of Japanese sports car so I don't know if I will ever buy a Camaro SS. Although I agree that I must give the SS a try just to see how it feels. By the way, I'm 6 feet and 240 lbs (body builderish), and I must say that the 370Z Nismo and the base models were absolutely shocking in terms of comfort. I honestly thought I was going to be cramped but I wasn't. It was actually comfortable!

Nissan should probably take a page out of Chevy by squeezing in just a little more hp for the manual transmission if the auto is almost always beating the manual.

So, has next year's models been finalized? Like you guys said, the Nismo's performance has not been spectacular. Will Nissan/Nismo make any quick changes to the tires, etc... or is it a seal deal for next year?

I think the only changes for 2010 are minor ones, no power changes.
Changes are like heated side mirrors, in cabin air filter, etc. I am 6'4" and fit great in the Z, I was shocked I was able to drive this around with any issues.

The issue with manual v. automatic is that one of the main comparisons is straight line speed. I will say even the Mustang auto is almost faster than the manual (V8), the reason is because a computer can shift faster than a human ever could. Also, with things like DSG, and double clutch and all that it has turned a new light on for "automatic" transmissions. I put that in quotes because we are at the point where you are doing all the work, shifting up/down but you lose the clutch pedal only. Without getting much into an auto v. manual debate there are advantages & disadvantages to each and will be a never ending debate (just like oil).

Don't forget the awesome USB port!

But the heated side mirrors, in cabin air filter, etc... are only available to the 370Z and not the Nismo, right?

Also I heard that the Nismo does not have any oil coolers. I think they should install them for the 2010 year models. :(

why do u worry about all the small details?.. if you like the car (any car for that matter) just get it and enjoy it... you will love it regardless of all that small things (although it would be nice to have everything)...

No idea on the changes actually, not sure how the current Nismo is listed (2009 or 2010). Also, do you plan on tracking the car? Nissan has already made an official statement about the oil topic, seems pretty clear.

The OP is overly concerned about minor variations in statistics.. i.e., the HP number of the car, as if that really means anything. He's also fishing for guesses about future changes to the car.. as if anybody can actually respond to that in an authoritative way. It's all guessing.

The Z really isn't for him. He should buy the car with the highest rated horse power that he can afford for straight line performance and forum bragging rights, as anything else will feel inferior to him. It's borderline trolling really.

:bowrofl: couldn't have said it better myself

:iagree:

Hmm maybe in the future. I just read the statement about it but could not figure out why Nismo wouldn't install the coolers in the first place when the car is pretty much a track based machine.

I thought I already made it blatantly clear that I do not want the SS? And forum bragging rights? Sorry, I just find those who project their own envies and secrets a bit lame. :)

I have worked hard to buy something I really want. I want to get the best out of something before I regret in the future. There is absolutely no reason to call me a troll.

well if you keep waiting for the perfect car it's not coming, if you want a great car the Nismo is waiting

Do we have Nismo dyno numbers that show the 18hp increase or is it vapor, vipor?

:icon18:

i didn't say it wasn't more powerful, i said it wasn't faster.

Dude, best bet is to test drive them both and see which car you prefer.

Unless you plan on tracking your ride, you're probably not going to notice an increase or decrease in 18 HP or some other number.

When you're talking about cars with 300 HP, another 18 HP is not really going to make a "world" of difference.

On the other hand, if you need a four seater (i.e, kids, pets, third wheel who always invites himself along, etc...), then that's more likely to play a role in whether you get a four-seater (Camaro, Mustang, BMW 135i, or G37), or if you're willing to sacrifice space for styling (370Z or Vette or a used Lotus).

Need, Budget and Styling Preferences will almost always trump whatever any magazine says about who is faster or who has more HP.

Martin

There's a thread around here somewhere that shows the Nismo dyno at 295-301, which is about 16-19 above baseline Z dynos (279-284). That doesn't translate to the track very well, as the 0-60s and 1/4 miles are either tied, or leaning to the non-Nismos advantage.

As many people have stated, getting the Nismo for performance above the base is silly. Getting the Nismo should be for the laundry list of other upgrades/features.