2009 Nissan 370Z Review & Road Test
June 15, 2009 by Matt Brogan
2009 Nissan 370Z Review & Road Test
Godzilla on a beer budget
Model Tested:
- 2009 Nissan 370Z; 3.7-litre, V6, seven-speed automatic; coupe – $69,990 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $495 (Fitted – Chicane Yellow)
Peerless performance; seven-speed auto; grip & handling
Road noise; compact cockpit; visibility; options shortfall
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
When you stop to consider the 370Z’s price tag then what I’m about to say will begin to make a whole lot more sense: this is the best sports car on the market under $100K.
Perhaps what’s even more impressive is that the all new Zed is almost at a level whereby it will give a great many cars north of that figure a run for their money too. Yes, it’s that good.
Sure some will be bound to say it doesn’t look different enough, and at a glance that may well be true, but spend some time with the 370Z, and you’ll agree that these subtle styling differences have made the car far more formidable in pose, and not without good reason.
It’s smaller, wider, lower, and in my humble opinion, substantially tougher than the model it replaces.
Sure the 350Z went reasonably well, handled neatly and sold in droves, but when you drive the all-new 370Z you quickly appreciate just how far the development of the iconic nameplate has come in only a few short years.
Firstly, and most noticeably, is the increase in performance, and I don’t just mean the numbers. The whole car feels more alive. It accelerates more aggressively, is more responsive in both power delivery and handling, and best of all hasn’t become so perfect that it has lost its sense of humour.
It truly is a car you can actually enjoy driving again and again. The steering is positive with just the right amount of assistance to feel when you’ve reached the threshold of the front wheels’ grip. Turn in is quick, and sharp with the chassis reacting quickly to sudden changes in direction.
In fact it so rigid torsionally that to induce oversteer only takes a little feed in from the right foot, almost like the Z is a purpose-built drift machine.
To help that along Nissan has shoehorned its 245kW, 3.7-litre, V6 under the bonnet to provide scorching performance to the rear wheels through a new, and very sharp, seven-speed automatic transmission.
This gearbox likes to be driven on torque and makes good use of the 363Nm on tap from 5200rpm, which incidentally is just about where you should start thinking about pulling the + paddle.
The car is so quick to change in manual mode that the car almost feels asleep once back in Drive which let’s face it, will only be used in case of amputation or female company.
Braking is competent, but not as strong of feel as I’d have liked, though that said there are enough electronic nannies on board to keep you out of harms way with ABS, EBA, EBD, ESP and Traction Control all offered as standard.
The cockpit offers quite a list of goodies too with satellite navigation, Bose six-disc CD tuner, cruise control, heated and electrically operated leather sports seats, full trip computer, key-less entry with push button start, Bluetooth mobile phone integration, iPod connectivity, and of course the afore mentioned paddle shifts.
Dusk sensing xenon headlamps with washers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a centrally mounted rear fog lamp round out the kit list outside – just in case the jet fighter-like coupe doesn’t look good enough already.
It’s a touch concerning that there’s no barrier between you and your cargo, though I will admit, the ability to look through the rear glass and enjoy the sight of that polished strut brace does remind you that the family car might have done for the run to the shops, but then again, what would you rather be seen in?
That’s what so much of this comes back to, the Z makes you feel good about being seen in a sports car, and for all those environmental types, my argument is this: 11.4-litres per 100km real world average. Enough said!
If there has to be a downside to the 370Z, in addition to the copious road noise, it would be that the cockpit is a little on the compact side for taller drivers thanks to the high bonnet and dash forcing a less “legs-out” seating position.
Visibility through the “C” pillar and rear leaves you begging for parking sensors (or a camera as fitted in Maxima models) and there’s also a slight shortfall when it comes to options with extras like rain sensing wipers, an auto-dimming mirror and some form of rear park assist seeming like an accidental omission when you consider the rest of the kit inside.
That aside though, the 370Z remains a pretty well packed piece of kit for the money and despite the abundance of options doesn’t lose that sports edge so badly lacking in competitors of this price range, and even a few above it.
Yes for any one chasing that honest, undiluted feeling that can only come from a front engine, rear drive sports coupe then the 370Z is the only choice this side of $100K, or as I’ve come to think of it: Godzilla on a beer budget.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive: 
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 3696cc DOHC V6 (24-valve)
- Power: 245kW @ 7000rpm
- Torque: 363Nm @ 5200rpm
- Induction: Multi-point
- Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear (LSD)
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: 5.6 seconds
- 0-400m: 13.9 seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 247 grams per kilometre
- Fuel Consumption: 10.4 litres per 100km (ADR c0mbined)
- Fuel Consumption: 11.4 litres per 100km (as tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 72 litres
- Fuel Type: 95 – 98RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: TBC
- Airbags: Dual Front & Side
- Safety: ESP with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space saver
- Suspension: Wishbone (F)/Multi-Link (R)
- Tow Capacity: N/A
- Turning Circle: 10.0 metres
- Warranty: Three year/100,000km
- Weight: 1532kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch
Print it: 
How does this stack up against the BMW 135i, Mitsu Evo X, Subaru WRX STI, et al? They’re in a similar price range.
Nice car, but I’d take the Evo X.
A great review and a very good upgrade from Nissan from the 350Z. Can’t wait to drive this machine and with the GT-R already under their belt, Nissan seem to be making leaps and bounds of progress!
Why in the world did CA test drove the 7-speed auto?
Don’t you guys know that the auto rev match in manual transmission is world first? Why didn’t you guys test that model instead?
I thought CA would be more knowledgeable than this, but I was wrong, and for that, I’m very disappointed.
ElecEng,
The 7 speed auto was the only car availed to us at this point. We will be testing the manual separately in the near future.
If you’d like to read our thoughts on the manual version, please check out our first-steer by David Twomey.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/30.....rst-steer/
Cheers Matt.
Just to add, I would have loved to know how smooth it will be on downshift with the auto-rev match technology (with manual transmission). Does it do it accurately on spirited driving as well as normal driving? Can we do a 2nd to 1st gear smoothly with that? What happened if you don’t engage the clutch (eg. stopping on a traffic light)?
Matt,
Thanks for the quick reply. I have already read the 1st steer. I just wanted more info…
Can’t wait to read the full review.
I thought my day was ruined, but you manage to salvage it. =)
I’m curious how the 135i isn’t mentioned as a competitor at all, or even in the value for money/bang for your back sector
Nice car, but id take a 135i
i cant stand how the Z looks
From all accounts (other reviews etc) this is a pretty good package for the price. Don’t mind the look at me yellow either. Wonder if they’ll do another topless model?
A Z4 3.0si coupe would be a good competitor for the 370z. However, you would have to make do with second hand now the new model has just been released. Much more expensive as new tho I admit.
~ $69k
Its a nice sexy and quick car, but to many choices @ that price point.
I know what i would buy if i was spending that on a *sports* car, in the past a Lotus Elise, but now i recon. the mighty Aussie buit Elfin T5, did superb [as i knew it would] on the TogGear track, still a little raw and unfinished, but a bit more work and tuned up a bit [dead easy] and would be extreme fast/quick vehicle.
For $69k, i think its a bargain, and a proper *SPORTS* car, just maybe a bit to hard-edged for everyday use [NO worse than riding around on a 1L HyperBike though. Ed.]
Maybe C/A could road-test/review the latest model T5 Elfin, i would be happy to lend a hand! :-)
Cheers
F-0
135i for me, too.
Not a fan of Holden or Ford but should there not be mention of their sports range under $100k in comparison to this 370 ? BMW has reliability issues, just search online…
Also does anyone know which parts of this car are French and do they work after a few months ?
370Z 0-100 k.p.h. time tested 5.6 seconds
F6 0-100 k.p.h. Autocar N.Z, 4.82 seconds and its cheaper, not to mention real world acceleration best measured by 80-120 k.p.h. times where a ZF six speed auot has been timed at as little as 2.64 seconds which undoutably would give the 370Z an even more severe thumping.
The 370Z the best sports car under 100K, I’d argue not, especially if you prefer serious muscle cars.
I do concur with the good ‘feeling’ driving the Zeds brings. I recall that same feeling even going back many years to the 240Z and a number of teh various models in between. Nissan seems to have a knack for getting this part of equation so right in the Zed models. Good on em for doing it again.
Casey, they’ve already released official images and details of the roadster version.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/27.....t-details/
I still can’t get over how this car looks. I just think it’s a massive step backward from the 350z. However, each to their own.
I too would buy a 135i over this. I don’t think the BMW looks that good either but it doesn’t look as fidgety as this and at the end of the day, you get the twin turbo 3.0 6 and a lot more practicality. That’s enough to make it win in my books.
$ for performance this has to be one of the better purchases. Should win Motor BFYB.
Comparing it to Sports Saloons eg F6 is unfair on both
Exactly
So why then do they do a comparison in their latest issue comparing it directly to an HSV on the dragstrip?
I’m with F-O on this – I’d take the Lotus over the nissan, though for me it is a less educated choice. I just like the Lotus look/heritage better. I cant help but think of the 370 as a hairdresser’s car, even though it probably isnt. In fact, the RX-8 would probably have a little more appear to me – build up some muscles with all that gear changing.
make that “appeal”. I must be thinking too much of my forthcoming asia trip…
MB, I’d argue not. People in the market for a genuine high performance car under $100K will compare the local HSV / FPV product with this 370Z.
Sure they’re designed differently, for different purposes but at the end of the day, people won’t be able to help themselves, they have a certain budget and they want the best vehicle for their dollars so the ineviatable comparisons will be made regardless of whether its appropriate or not.
I reckon I’d be very happy with this 370Z, but if it came to a choice of it or the FG F6, I prefer real muscle and the rather anemic torque of the 370Z is to me the serious downside to an otherwise great vehicle.
Of course if it came to a choice between the 370Z’s bigger brother the GTR, and the F6 and money was no object, well that’d be one of the easiest decisions of my life.
G Says:
June 15th, 2009 at 7:02 am
How does this stack up against the BMW 135i, Mitsu Evo X, Subaru WRX STI, et al? They’re in a similar price range.
BMW 135i: Its a classy elegant car with a 3.0L inline twin turbo charged engine but its harsh ride quality on its sports ssuspension wouldnt make it enjoyable to drive. other then that and even though i hate and loathe BMWs… its a car that is on par with the 370z.
With the Evo X: It maybe a tad heavier, less powerful then the 370z… but its slightly quicker then the 370z (EVO X: 366Nm @ 3500rpm; 370z: 363Nm @ 5200rpm). <—– Remember that.
STi Spec R WRX: More powerful then the Evo X and much lighter then the Evo X… has so much torque but I dont it has enough to be better then the 370z in all facets.
Ugly and glitzy. Too American.
Anyone shopping for a vehicle like a 350Z would not be looking at a Falcon or Commodore.
This is a 2-seater, remember?
Very specific market.
Brilliant car.
Too American!
LOLOL
Sorry never liked these things good review but visually its not s e x y!Then neither is the GT-R……………
Dash is way too busy !
Looks like it was designed by the crew who “draw” Nickelodeon cartoons
LN Says:
BMW 135i: Its a classy elegant car with a 3.0L inline twin turbo charged engine but its harsh ride quality on its sports suspension wouldnt make it enjoyable to drive. other then that and even though i hate and loathe BMWs… its a car that is on par with the 370z.
If you’d driven a 135 you’d know that the ride quality is anything but harsh! its rides better than my Merc.
I second that Oneill3
One of the most compliant sports set ups i’ve driven
Nice car but anyone who buys the Auto is not a real enthusiast and just a pretender. Even if it had a DSG I would buy the manual.
Come on! a big engine, small car, rear wheel drive and you get an AUTO?
I test drove the 370z Auto and the same day placed an order on a BMW 135i. The Nissan was better value in that it had more toys for the money but what put me off the most was the horrific engine note (or lack there of). It sounds like a tractor, its rough as guts when reved and the cabin noise on full noise is deafening and not pleasent. Also agree that the road roar is high and annoying. Auto Gearbox is not as good as the ZF in BMW and the BMW feels a quicker when you punch it. The last reason is that being 41 years of age I just felt the Nissan had to much of a cap on backwards demographic.
This car seems to be a lot more purposeful than the old one and i must say that it is really growing on me.
One deciding factor – the interior. Its a big NO from me on this. Too much happening coupled with trying to be too futuristic means that it just has no prestige at all and in this price range, you deserve a little.
Have been thinking about this car today and after long debate in my head, i’d be saving for a cayman.
Buck, if people were serious about performance cars under $100K they could also theoreticaly look at 2nd hand cars eg E55’s, M3, M5 S4 etc….especially in this distressed market….where do you draw the line.
Though I appreciate both cars neither appeal to me so I would probably go a 135i with LSD and a few other enhancements. But if I had to get one I would go the F6 again $ for performance it is a bargin and will go down as one of the better produced super saloons in Oz. It is one of the only Oz cars that represents worlds best its pretty nimble has bags of power and readily tuneable. It is nearly as quick as a W427 (but not as collectable) at less than half the price.
Great review.
I loved this car, imo its really good looking and I reckon Nissans are heading the right direction with their designs on sports car (maybe they should do the same with their passenger cars as well?). Unfortunately, it is a real pity that we don’t get the Nismo version of the 370Z.
From the article, this auto box isn’t even a DSG? So this brings to my question, what are the advantages of this auto?
Also I hope there will be a BMW 135i vs Mitsu Evo X vs Nissan 370Z comparsion soon. :)
oneill3 Says:
June 15th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
LN Says:
If you’d driven a 135 you’d know that the ride quality is anything but harsh! its rides better than my Merc.
oneill3 I have driven them and i thought it was a quality to drive but driving it on a rough road i thought it was harsh and ride quality was deterioating and was not enjoying driving it on the rough road.
And alan regarding the auto on 370Z, the technology that Nissan have used for both auto and manual is SyncroRev Match which means it automatically controls and adjusts engine speed when changing gears, essentially alienating the throttle as the shift occurs to match the exact engine speed of the next gear position. The auto benefits the SynchroRev Match to smooth out gear changes.
only disadvantage in this is the gearbox has the tendency of being clunky at times.
Yep no need for heel toe just to blip the throttle on down shifts.
For those who watched top gear yesterday night, it was given a winner by Morrison.
For 70 odd K Brand New, its value for money, yes it lacks prestige (snobs) but… Its a Nissan you drive it for what it is not for the brand.
Performance cars from any manufacturer are going to have a compromise with ride quality on all sorts of roads especially Oz Hotmix roads.
i’d rather try my luck with a Skyline 350GT at less than half the price
not a huge fan of only two seats either especially at that price and size
It looks like a porsche carrera.
good car. but i dont think it beats the 135i. i feel the 135i is better value as a keeper.
To Tom,
Love the look of the Zed, hate the squashed up 135i.
I will be interesting to see how the new 370Z will go in the Bathurst 12hr against the evoX and 135i.
sorry thats 335i
MB, I draw the line as new v new comparisons as I believe this is the only logical way to compare two vehicles currently on sale.
Of course as you quite rightly pointed out, with the current depressed market there’s a world of opportunites out there and if your a cash buyer, cash is absolutly king so by all means something like a V10 powered BMW M5 may well be in contention.
Appreciate what you had to say about the F6.
Having said that people will cross shop the 370Z and the local performance product I also think its fair to say most people would go into such comparisons with some pretty clear bias one way or the other based on their pre-conceptions of what is a “real” sportscar.
Regarding the collectability or otherwise of the W427, I’d speculate as soon as FPV bring out the supercharged 5.0 litre engine, the W427’s resale could well take a big hit.
Who-ever designed this car should be given a pay-rise.
It looks fantastic,how cool would it be to know you had drawn this beast.
As for the interior,whoah there,its awesome,and how good is the system that keeps the dials where you need them when one moves the steering wheel.
A great all-rounder if you only need 2 seats.
Before you buy a Nissan, check the warranty comments on
http://www.caradvice.com.au/54.....complaint/
Beautiful car. It is missing a few things. It doesn’t have the 19-inch wheels, no hard drive based navigation, no direct ipod connection (music won’t display on-screen), no rear-view camera, no automatic wipers. But still, very good value for a car like this!