2010 Nissan 370Z: Money Can Buy Happiness, It Turns Out

This is my first published auto review, by Sports Car Monitor. I 'm curious to hear your thoughts about both the article and topic...especially from the 00 crew. I've been following and studying for years, now I'm working to join the ranks!

Last summer, I grew bored. I grew so bored, in fact, that after watching an episode of my favorite British car show, I realized it was time for me to go for a drive.

My beloved Volvo S60, however, would not be satisfactory. Initially, this was a problem because, at the time, I was at Indiana University. Bloomington is 420 devastatingly over-patrolled miles from Pittsburgh, where my nearest changes of keys were sitting.

I was faced with a dilemma. Should I wait a few weeks to fiddle about in an XC70, or maybe have a spin in the ultimate driving machine? I think not. I got clever.

I drove to a local dealership where I noticed a 2010 Nissan 370Z Touring Edition with my name on it. Sitting there, glistening in the July sunset, it begged for attention. Like an abandoned puppy that needed to be rescued, I felt obligated to at least inquire.

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dlin - 2/27/2010 4:35:17 PM

+2 Boost

Based on my test drives, Nissan has everything right other than engine, which I hope they replace with a supercharged 2.5L V6. Well, maybe shift some hydraulic systems to the back for less polar Ix as well.

dlin - 2/27/2010 9:28:09 PM

+1 Boost

Well I really wonder if you've driven it. My opinion is in line with most auto review, and is substantiated by me as G and 3 owner.

1) VQ37 is not on Wards list, and simply cannot rev fast enough, which is critical for an NA engine. Personally I think IS350's engine is the best V6 out there.

2) The main advantage of supercharge over turbo is its progressive build-up, which I think is kinda lacking in 335(I'm picky). Let's face it: Z doesn't need 400 hp, not at this generation, therefore SC would be best substitution for NA. The reason BMW uses turbo for 300 hp is to cut cost, as its V8 application demands more than 550 hp. As for weight and emission, let's make it simple: if AUDI can do it, why can't NISSAN?

JRobUSC - 2/28/2010 12:07:28 PM

+3 Boost

"2) The main advantage of supercharge over turbo is its progressive build-up, which I think is kinda lacking in 335(I'm picky). Let's face it: Z doesn't need 400 hp, not at this generation, therefore SC would be best substitution for NA. The reason BMW uses turbo for 300 hp is to cut cost, as its V8 application demands more than 550 hp. As for weight and emission, let's make it simple: if AUDI can do it, why can't NISSAN?"

uh... what? Using a turbo to cut costs versus a supercharger? Turbo kits are WAAAAAAAAY more expensive than a supercharger, primarily because a turbo kit has to be designed and fitted specifically for each application (new exhaust headers, intercoolers, lots of plumbing) while a supercharger can be bolted onto any vehicle (all you need is a bracket and access to the serpentine belt).

BHump - 2/28/2010 10:36:59 PM

0 Boost

Keep in mind that the Lotus uses the 3.5 V6 from the Toyota side of things...think Camry. Toyota makes the point that they will not allow a "Lexus" engine to be used outside of that brand. I believe one of the main differences between the two V6's is that the Lexus uses DI.

I love the 370Z, BTW, other than the coarseness of the engine at higher revs.

LexSucks - 3/1/2010 1:42:07 PM

+1 Boost

Badgewhore,

Very good post. Too bad its going to fall on dead ears. Some folks are so stuck in thier ways, that they refuse to accept the fact that Forced Induction engines are what it takes to make big-power accessible to folks who don't have 7 digit portfolios. Not to mention the fact that Forced Induction engines are lighter than Normally Aspirated engines and for the most part are also more efficient.

I think the problem is that some people think that Turbo Technology hasn't progressed since the 1980's. LOL!! They need to get with the times and start realizing technology doesn't remain stagnant (unlike thier car knowledge).

If Bugatti didn't use turbos in the Veyron, they would have never been able to find a NA engine that would physically be able to fit in the car with the same 1000hp output. Can you imagine how big and heavy a N/A engine would have to be in order to develop 1000hp?

dlin - 3/1/2010 3:58:24 PM

+1 Boost

I'm all for an NA 3.5 I6, but it might be a little lazy(not revving as fast)?

LexSucks - 3/1/2010 4:10:27 PM

+1 Boost

An NA 3.5 I6 can only take you so far (330hp tops). And the further up you go in HP (with an N/A engine), the less drivable it becomes (all the power is up top).

There's a reason why BMW went the Turbo route. It was because there weren't really any gains to be had anymore with the 3.0 liter inline 6. BMW has gotten pretty much all they can out of it. Adding Turbos gives an engine of that size, new life and power numbers that are impossible with an NA engine of that size. Bring on the Turbos!!!

MBCLS07 - 3/1/2010 2:04:37 AM

+1 Boost

The 370Z is an amazing and, dare I say, underrated car. An unbeatable combinations of style, performance, balance and value.

LexSucks - 3/1/2010 10:22:15 AM

-1 Boost

I'd take an EVO or an STI over the 370z in a heartbeat.

MBCLS07 - 3/1/2010 12:47:59 PM

+1 Boost

So Lexsucks, you'd choose a car that's slower and less stylish than the 370z for about the same price.

Don't get me wrong, the 2010 STI and the EVO are great cars. Just not superior to the 370z. Unless you have a kid or two and you need the two extra seats.

LexSucks - 3/1/2010 1:23:17 PM

+1 Boost

MBLCLS07,

Not so fast. Does "S-AWC" mean anything to you? The Evo and STI's drive trains are far superior to the 370z's drive train, especially when it comes to putting down the power. And don't even get me started with the rain and snow driving superiority of the EVO and STI over the 370z. And the last time I checked the 370z, and Evo/STI all offered about the same performance. now throw in the extra doors and seats and it’s obvious to see that the EVO’s and STI’s are far more practical than the 370z while giving up nothing in performance. And in regards to being stylish? That’s a subjective call, but I’d take the EVO X’s styling over the 370z anyday.

Choosing a 370z over an EVO isn’t a no-brainer. The EVOs/STIs shine in areas were the 370z doesn’t. And while were at it, what exactly does the 370z offer over the EVOs and STIs of the world?

LexSucks - 3/1/2010 1:28:17 PM

+1 Boost

Oh yeah... Spend about another $2,000 in modifications for the EVO and you'll end up with a car that it would take about $10,000 worth of modifications for the 370z to match. The 370z is nowhere near as mod friendly as the EVO/STI.

dlin - 3/2/2010 6:08:56 PM

+1 Boost

I agree to most of your points, but there's one thing Evo/Sti cannot offer - pure RWD, that feeling of slipping rear tires by throttle. It's not all about max G.

imhsar - 9/22/2010 2:03:51 AM

+1 Boost

The Nissan company modified some of their cars so that the customer who loves speed can enjoy the ride. The 2010 Nissan 370Z ensures the safety of its passengers by antilock brakes having brake assist, stability and traction control, side curtain airbags (door-mounted in the roadster and roof-mounted in the coupe), front-seat side impact airbags and active head restraints. The car has decent crash scores in government crash test. The 2010 Nissan 370Z probably is the best affordable sports car with immense high-performance. If you are looking for a high performance sports car, this should be the one.
http://www.carsbyownerinusa.com/browse_by_make_model.php?MID=Nissan