Question About Future Buying (Nismo)

Matt

Yes, in the first head-to-head done by a major publication, the Nismo came up .1 seconds slower on the base's times, I believe. However, the tests were done before break-in of either car, and a later test showed the Nismo slightly better than the base after break-in. It's dependent on the driver, so who really knows how much faster or slower the Nismo is.

If you want this Nismo for increased speed and power over the base, you'll be disappointed. The Nismo has a fantasticly designed exterior including the bumpers, side skirts, and spoiler that some people love, and others hate. The Nismo has a great looking interior. The Nismo has incrediblely tuned suspension, albeit not the most comfortable as a daily driver. The Nismo has some GREAT features, but it's not as big of an upgrade compared to the Mustang's V6 vs GT500.

Dynos of the Nismo show it to be exactly what it should be, 18hp above base.

The automatic is a very well built transmission on the Z. It's a 7 speed with around a .5 second shift delay when sport shifting (via paddles or gear shifter), which is twice as fast as other "performance" automatics. 0-60 times show it slightly faster in the quarter mile, and usually right at or better than the 6MT on the 0-60s.

Again, the driver's ability plays a big part in it. I can shift faster than .5 seconds in my 6MT, but other drivers may not be that comfortable with the MT.

In other words, don't get the 6MT (only option for the Nismo) if you're under the old assumption that an automatic is slower. They both get the same gas mileage, and nearly the exact same performance. Me? I think driving auto is boring, but after riding in a 7AT, I completely changed my mind! My next car might very well be an auto if it's built like the Z's auto.

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"Any man who can drive a 370z while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the Z the attention it deserves." Albert Einstein....modified.