Nissan 370Z Part 3: Performance Review

Improving on what was already one of the best performance car bargains on the market, the new Nissan 370Z starts where the 350Z left off and significantly raises the bar.

Breaking the size and weight gain trend that afflicts most new cars, the new Z - for all its considerable improvements - sits on a shorter yet wider footprint, and more notably, tips the scales at around the same numbers as a comparably equipped 350Z - which is quite impressive!

Beyond the concerted effort to keep the Z's weight in check, Nissan has also done its best to keep costs down. You won't find all-wheel steering or a trick torque-vectoring rear axle or any paddle-shift, dual-clutch nonsense. What you get with the Z are the essentials: Rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential and an honest-to-goodness manual transmission. If you want a car that will mask your mistakes and drive itself, then kindly look elsewhere.

The power you'll be putting down through that viscous limited-slip diff is once again provided by a VQ-series engine. This time the Z-car borrows the newest VQ-37 that we've tried before in the Infiniti G37S. As it's charged with motivating a significantly lighter car in the 370Z, the V6 provides acceleration that is much more in keeping with the sportscar soul of this new Z-car. Unfortunately, the rough character of the VQ-engine series at elevated RPM is still present in this latest 3.7-liter version, making the 370Z sound and feel a bit strained when you really hustle it. But while the sounds may not be as satisfying as you'd wish, the resulting acceleration leaves little to complain about.

Beyond its focus on the accelerative qualities and cornering abilities of the new Z, Nissan has also paid attention to deceleration. Keen eyes will notice that the brake calipers now say Nissan instead of Brembo. Not to worry, as the 370's calipers are now made by Akebono... the same company that helped Lewis Hamilton win the Formula 1 World Championship last season. So if they're good enough for Lewis, I suspect they'll be just fine for you and me.

The 370Z is so improved, it makes a good case for itself as Nissan's best car. Now, some of you might have just fallen off your chairs, thinking that's a ridiculous thing to say with the fabulous rocket that is the GT-R sitting atop the company portfolio. But is the GT-R really the best car Nissan makes?

The answer really depends on your definition of "best". If you mean the fastest and most technologically advanced, then yeah, the GT-R is it. After all, that thing has enough advanced onboard systems to make the Millennium Falcon seem like a covered wagon. But if by "best" you mean "most entertaining"... than the best car Nissan makes is the new 370Z... that's right, I said it!

Relatively affordable and completely entertaining, the 370Z not only reaches higher than any previous Z-car, it may indeed be the most rewarding driver's car in the entire Nissan line up.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Nissan 370Z

Performance
- Acceleration: Noticeably better than 350Z, but the VQ37 still sounds strained and harsh at the top of the rev range
- Handling: Great bite turning into corners - throttle steer on the menu despite the grip afforded by those BIG rear tires - needs more steering lock to be a true drifting machine, though
- Braking: Brembo makes way for Akebono, and if McLaren trusts 'em on their Formula 1 car, they'll do just fine, thank you!

Design
- Exterior: Gorgeous and finally Z-car appropriate - even the funky details (lights, door handles, etc.) now work well
- Interior: The single biggest improvement over the previous Z - materials especially nice for the price

Utility
- Comfort: Perfectly acceptable for two passengers
- Space: Much improved, especially at the rear, but space is still not exactly abundant

Safety
- Dynamics: Initial understeer will prove safe for those lacking a bit on the ability side - good transitional responses
- Technology: Stability and traction control plus airbags, ABS, etc., etc.

Value
- Price: Takes the crown from the Chevrolet Corvette as the best bang for the buck on the market
- Mileage: That sixth gear helps - as does some self-control on your part

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: The styling will get you... then the power... then the handling... so yeah, it hits all the right spots
- Fun to spank: Yes, but a mechanical LSD would have worked better than the viscous type if you want to nit-pick

SPECIFICATIONS
Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 332 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3360 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.2 sec.
1/4 mile: 13.7 @ 104 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 18 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $29,930
Competitors: Mazda RX8, BMW 135i?, Infiniti G37S?