Nissan 370Z | Spotted
Nissan's decade-old V6 sports car still offers a compelling mix of old school charm and everyday usability
Can you believe that the Nissan 370Z is ten years old? It arrived as a successor to the 350Z back in 2009 and, alongside the GT-R, has helped to uphold Nissan's reputation as a builder of performance cars deep into the twenty-first century. But while the 370Z and GT-R have both always used V6 engines, that is, of course, where the similarities end because the GT-R's use of twin-turbocharging and four-wheel drive couldn't be much more contrasting to the 370Z's atmospheric, rear-wheel drive setup. The 370Z is by far the more traditional offering.
Even the delivery of the 3.7-litre engine's 331hp appears old school because it doesn't peak until 7,000rpm, meaning the 370Z only provides its best when worked hard. Do that, though, and the 370Z is capable of sprinting a from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds - three tenths quicker than a 987-generation Porsche Cayman, an old rival of the Nissan's. The Stuttgart sports car is admittedly 130kg lighter, but the 370Z can both outsprint it and also arguably provides the more comfortable setting.
Where the Cayman holds an advantage is on-the-limit dynamics. The German has the more eager front end and better balance, thanks to its mid-engined layout. And where the old Cayman rewards big commitment, the Nissan feels quite content being stroked along a route - although it is also no slouch, nor does it ever lack drama. That 3.7-litre, for example, makes lovely, muscular six-pot noises and when it's coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox, Nissan's auto rev matching tech (called Synchor Rev Control) adds racey blips to each downshift.
A decade-old Cayman might also leave an owner nervous of impending reliability issues, but the 370Z is renowned for being tough, a trait that's probably helped by the fact the engine under its bonnet is one faced with little stress. That being said, the motor does struggle to offer urban economy above the teens, plus, the car needs to be serviced every 9,000 miles, so it's never going to be a cheap runabout. But that's obvious in a V6 model like this.
We've found a great low-mileage example of the breed, a 20,000-mile old 2010 370Z in grey with a black leather interior, in the classifieds. It looks to be in fine health and was owned by the same person until 2018, which is usually the experience of a much-loved car. The asking price of £13,245 therefore seems fair, although the car is located in Northern Ireland, so getting there might be an issue if you're not on the west side of the Irish Sea. But then again, of all the cheap 370Zs on the market, this might just be the one worth travelling for.
SPECIFICATIONS - NISSAN 370Z
Engine: 3,696cc V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 331@7000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 269@5200rpm
MPG: 26.6
CO2: 248g/km
Price new: £26,895
Yours for: £13,245
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And the CO2 emissions puts them in Band M after March 2006, and for me they aren't special enough to justify £555 a year in road tax!
I'd prefer a Z4M Coupe that does 0-62 in 5 seconds and has an 8,000rpm red-line, but it's great that cars like these were being built!
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