I sometimes find my truest opinion comes forth when I have to quickly answer the question "so, what do you think about it?" There's no chance to be wishy washy or be swayed by nit-picks (wrong fuel gauge) or pet likes (the excellent iPod interface). Oh, and try explaining Synchro RevMatch to a neophyte in 10 words or less.
Such a situation happened this weekend at a barbecue in Griffith Park when a fellow attendee asked (after first pondering what I was doing taking a picture of my car), "So, what do you think about it?"
"It's really rough. Rough ride, loud, the clutch and shifter are stiff. You have to really manhandle the thing. When you're driving aggressively, it's great, so if you do a lot of weekend driving or maybe a track day, go for it. But I don't think many people would want to drive it every day. It would get old. I'd rather have a BMW 1 Series or maybe a Hyundai Genesis. Looks cool, though."
Hmm, so that's how I feel.
James Riswick, Automotive Editor @ 7,200 miles
carguy622 says:
04:30 PM, 06/ 1/09
Loan me the keys to the Z and the 1 for a week and I'll get back to you.
clarkma5 says:
05:24 PM, 06/ 1/09
Perfect, I like a car to be rough.
hondacura4 says:
05:43 PM, 06/ 1/09
I prefered the 03 G35 Coupe over the original 350Z as there was something about the 350 that I couldnt get past. I still cant put my finger on it but something about that car just wasnt completely right.
However, the first time I saw a 370Z in person I was floored. The stance is perfect, the wheel design is worthy of an RS Audi and the interior and exterior finally have the substance a sports car deserves.
In terms of performance, Nissan definately found the right combination while adding the much needed tactility and precision the 350 seriosuly lacked. Now if they could just smooth out that damn VQ......
spen1818 says:
07:22 PM, 06/ 1/09
Granted I have never driven this car or a 135i, but from all the reviews out there I think I would feel the same way. Unless you are all track then why buy this Nissan over a 135i (w/not to many options that is, otherwise expensive!!!)
johnnyr3 says:
07:23 PM, 06/ 1/09
I think the kid's alright. There are some quirks, but I think I might be able to get past them. Especially if it were a weekend car and not a daily driver.
135iguy says:
01:25 AM, 06/ 2/09
...I feel the same way...
dougtheeng says:
05:56 AM, 06/ 2/09
I've not driven it.
It looks cool in the above picture but I was extremely underwhelmed in real life. I'm not a fan of the 350Z interior and judging from photos, I don't think I would be of the 370Z either.
stingray454 says:
07:10 AM, 06/ 2/09
Sounds like my kind of car. I've driven the 350Z before, and I didn't find it rough. Firm ride for sure, but not a rough car. It was fun, felt very tossable, and small in a classic sports car kind of way. I probably wouldn't want it as my only car, but then again, very few 2-seaters would be my only car anyway.
e10rice says:
08:00 AM, 06/ 2/09
From the way you described it, i'd love it. i hate the easy does it sports cars. Why did you buy a sports coupe if you want a soft non agressive ride, and all kinds of crap you dont need in a sports car?
rick8365 says:
11:23 AM, 06/ 2/09
I would be thrilled to be at a BBQ and look over at the Z as it is pictured here and know that it was mine. It's a cool shot and the car looks great....it is a looker (well said by hondacura). I think it is one of those cars, the more you look from all angles - the more you see. If I had the opportunity I would park it where I could see - just to check it out - not to impress - just so I could see/admire it. I think this is a great car, my practical side ($ for one ride and a truck is always the first choice)doesn't let me really entertain the idea of getting one but I wouldn't mind (come on lottery, already!!)
elbee says:
12:21 PM, 06/ 2/09
That's exactly how my brother's 350Z was, so he got rid of it. The more things change...