RE: Nissan 370Z NISMO: Driven

[Gompo]

Article said:

It's a big car

I know it's quite wide, but it's only a couple of inches longer and wider than a 1M or Cayman. Never heard them called big?

After having a car with a lightened flywheel, I wonder whether one might help with revving the motor out? Of course a nice induction noise helps spur you on too.

[SpunkyM]

I think I should start be saying I think it looks sensational. The power, torque and acceleration figures put it bang on par with an E46 M3. I'd love to see how they compare driving back to back. I know it's a bit of a pointless excercise becuase nobdody considering a new 370Z would consider a 10 year old beemer, but I think it would really highlight what is missing from the Z (or perhaps the M3)!

[nottyash]

SpunkyM said:

I think I should start be saying I think it looks sensational. The power, torque and acceleration figures put it bang on par with an E46 M3. I'd love to see how they compare driving back to back. I know it's a bit of a pointless excercise becuase nobdody considering a new 370Z would consider a 10 year old beemer, but I think it would really highlight what is missing from the Z (or perhaps the M3)!

I've had both. just bought the 370z and had a 4 year old 54 plate and then later A 2003 E46 M3. From what I remember the performance is the same. The 370 has a lot more torque, you can drive it in 6th at less than 30mph and it will pull.

[sebhaque]

nottyash said:

I've had both. just bought the 370z and had a 4 year old 54 plate and then later A 2003 E46 M3. From what I remember the performance is the same. The 370 has a lot more torque, you can drive it in 6th at less than 30mph and it will pull.

:nod: Agreed, I had an E46 M3 a few years ago. They're pretty comparable in performance, although with the M3 you have to be quite high in the rev range to get a decent response from the engine, whereas the Z is a bit more responsive at lower revs. Doesn't really translate to much on the road though, just means you can perform a swift overtake in the Z in sixth, whereas you need to drop a cog in the M3.

The M3 is easier to live with, mainly because of its practicality and visibility (there are two annoying blind spots on the Nissan, behind the mirrors [i.e. you can't see what's waiting at a roundabout] and your passenger side blind spot because the rear window is pretty much the size of a fag packet. That said, you had to drive the M3 a bit hard to feel like you were in something special, whereas every journey in the 370Z is quite fun.

I'm sure there are many folks out there who prefer the BMW to the Nissan, and I can completely understand where they're coming from. Personally, I prefer the 370Z, and life would be very boring if everybody liked the same thing.

[Gilhooligan]

It's just looks so ugly. Particularly the nismo version. Much preferred the 370z.

[nottyash]

sebhaque said:

nottyash said:

I've had both. just bought the 370z and had a 4 year old 54 plate and then later A 2003 E46 M3. From what I remember the performance is the same. The 370 has a lot more torque, you can drive it in 6th at less than 30mph and it will pull.

:nod: Agreed, I had an E46 M3 a few years ago. They're pretty comparable in performance, although with the M3 you have to be quite high in the rev range to get a decent response from the engine, whereas the Z is a bit more responsive at lower revs. Doesn't really translate to much on the road though, just means you can perform a swift overtake in the Z in sixth, whereas you need to drop a cog in the M3.

The M3 is easier to live with, mainly because of its practicality and visibility (there are two annoying blind spots on the Nissan, behind the mirrors [i.e. you can't see what's waiting at a roundabout] and your passenger side blind spot because the rear window is pretty much the size of a fag packet. That said, you had to drive the M3 a bit hard to feel like you were in something special, whereas every journey in the 370Z is quite fun.

I'm sure there are many folks out there who prefer the BMW to the Nissan, and I can completely understand where they're coming from. Personally, I prefer the 370Z, and life would be very boring if everybody liked the same thing.

Yes,it does feel more special to drive. Its noisy in the cabin and will bite you if you get it wrong because the esp isn't as intrusive as most cars.
The steering feel is what I like, its weighted just right and the grip is fantastic.
Those blind spots are pretty bad.
Totally agree it won't be everyone's choice but its actually a very different car to the M3.
The M3 is a far better GT car on 18" standard wheels. I've heard the 19s that's fitted to many makes it a lot harder ride, like the Z.

[SpunkyM]

Interesting. Sounds like the only area the M3 would significantly trump it would be on the engine note!

[liner33]

SpunkyM said:

Interesting. Sounds like the only area the M3 would significantly trump it would be on the engine note!

and seats/storage space

[J4CKO]

liner33 said:

and seats/storage space

Assuming the boot floor is still intact of course !