My first real seat time in a 370Z came several months ago when we did our initial road test. I loved it and said so in my second opinion. Now that I've had a little bit more time behind the wheel, however, I'm starting to realize that as a daily driver, the 370Z might not be my first choice.
It's not the power, the ride quality or the funky gas gauge either. It's the interior room, or lack thereof. I just don't fit in the thing. Now granted, at 6'2" I'm a little taller than average, but still the 370Z feels tight even when you're properly adjusted with plenty of foot room.
It's a good setup when you're ripping a tight road, but getting into it after work with a computer case and gym bag in hand, the Z fills up real quick. Add to that a low seating position and tight shoulder room and the 370Z just doesn't give you much room to relax.
Is it enough to make me not buy it? No, it's still too fast in a straight line and too sticky in the turns for that, but it would be enough to make me reconsider some of its competitors like the new Mustang or Genesis Coupe. Those cars don't match up dynamically to the Z, but they are a little more comfortable.
Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor @ 1,876 miles
DCuerpoJr says:
04:14 PM, 03/ 6/09
I understand completely. I'm in the market for a new car and have a hard time deciding to go with a sports car or a mid size SUV.
Space, comfort and the ability to haul things makes it real appealing to get an SUV. But I'd much more fun driving a sports car than a SUV that's handling is all over the place.
I wouldn't pass up a 370Z over the Genisis Coupe or a 2010 Mustang...unless it was a Shelby.
However, it'd be a hard choice between the 370Z and the new 2010 Camaro SS. I'd probably end up with the Camaro since the previous generation hasn't been in production for 7 years. Plus it just looks freakin' sweet!
msdaisy says:
04:24 PM, 03/ 6/09
Well if you're looking for more comfort why not the G35 or G37?
jederino says:
04:42 PM, 03/ 6/09
I'd go the G35 route. While it may be heavier and toned down a bit, it has a backseat, and looks better. But does it sound just as sweet?
tsy says:
04:58 PM, 03/ 6/09
Actually, I think the Sedan (now G37) is a little lighter than the coupe.
How about an RX-8? Has a bit more interior space. But kinda lacking in power though.
135i? Sti/Evo? How about a stripped Vette? (Maybe GM will have a going out of business sale?)
Seems like a lot of options!
mulligan101 says:
06:51 PM, 03/ 6/09
TTS or 135i. Say no more.
clarkma5 says:
11:24 PM, 03/ 6/09
I was comfortable in it at 6'1" but I was surprised how bad the visibility to the rear is.
cwmoo740 says:
12:19 AM, 03/ 7/09
The TTS is quickly optioned out of the Z's price range before you even realize it. If you want a "nicer" car, get a TT, but only if you're prepared to put down 50k. If a pontiac solstice could be a real competitor to this car, there would be something else in this market. Looks like another 135i to me.
autoboy16 says:
04:09 AM, 03/ 7/09
Off topic somewhat, but I think in that interior picture, Nissan should have put something visually interesting in front of the passenger... Thats a LOT of wasted space! Maybe an "OH SH**" bar like the Beetle or Expedition! I think an "Oh SH**" bar would be great for a 370Z!
Btw the bar is just a grab bar in front of the passenger.
bloodyr says:
07:01 AM, 03/ 7/09
If I could afford to have two cars, I'd buy the 370Z as my "weekend car" in a heartbeat. Don't think I'd want it as my daily driver though...
kissel1 says:
06:09 AM, 03/ 8/09
Hi Ed!
Great post. Question: how's the crash safety? I'd want to go really fast in this car, but I'd want something safe.
So, the next time you drive it, could you smash into a telephone pole going, say, 80 mph?
That way we could have a good look at the body integrity.
Thanks in advance!
surfwagon56 says:
12:21 PM, 03/ 8/09
I went and saw the Genesis coupe yesterday. The local dealership had just received their first one, a 3.8 Touring in silver with brown seats. I didn't drive it, as my son was in the back seat of my car asleep, but I was impressed by the overall look and feel (didn't quite like the brown seats w/ the silver exterior, though). If I was coupe shopping, the 2.0T Track would definitely be on my list, and w/ 2 kids unfortunately a Z is out and a G37 too expensive.
equ says:
08:44 PM, 03/ 8/09
How about a used 06/07 Cayman S for the same price as a new Z? By the way, Ed, can you comment on your comfort level in the cayman/boxster vs. the Z?
dat2 says:
11:15 PM, 03/ 8/09
That's funny, I remember the same initial situation with the 350Z. Initially the reviews were generally in favor of it as a daily driver. But then they slowly turned and by the end pretty much everybody agreed it doesn't make a good daily driver, including myself who owned a 2005.
I think for daily driving, the base model 370Z would be quite nice with the smaller/taller tires and everything. You've still got the audio input for satellite radio so I could be happy with that!
crowb says:
06:10 AM, 03/ 9/09
Kissel, YEAH!!!!!
Come on, Ed. Smash it into a telephone pole. That's not at all unreasonable or COMPLETELY INSANE!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I love this Kissel dude!
Favorite part of his comment: "Thanks in advance". HA! Like its a given that Ed is going to fire up the Z and ram into a telephone pole simply because he was asked (politely, don't forget). That is pure comedy.
dougtheeng says:
06:13 AM, 03/ 9/09
The interior size/space turned me off of the 350Z and I expect the same to be true of the 370Z. Unfortunately, 6'2" does not fit a lot of great sports cars.
I saw someone suggest the G37 instead of the 350Z. In my experience, it has the same problem...its just so small!
Thanks to cars like the MINI, I know its possible to be small but also roomy....I hope by the time I'm ready to buy a small sports car, there are a few more spacious options out there.
redwoodaggie says:
08:30 AM, 03/ 9/09
The 370Z seems even smaller inside than the 350Z. I could at least sit in the 350Z comfortably. When I was looking for a new car, I sat in the 370Z and I was miserable after 5 minutes. Headroom was tight, knees jammed up against the steering wheel, bottom seat cushion jamming into my thighs. I didn't even bother test driving it. A car like the 135i is incredibly roomy/comfortable compared to the Z.
zoomzoomn says:
07:44 AM, 03/10/09
I have yet to drive one, but wonder if it is at least more livable than the 350ZX was. I found that car to be a really rough partner to live with around town, yet acceptable if not a bit harsh at highway speeds and above. While the 370ZX is smaller, is it at least more comfortable or is it a draw?