Before this week I've only driven our long-term 2009 Nissan 370Z (or any 370Z) for short bursts. One night at the most. No drive longer than 30 or 40 minutes.
And my impression has been; great car but too cramped inside. Reminded me of the third generation Mazda RX-7. Loved driving it, but the feeling of claustrophobia was just too much.
Now I know better. I just spent the bulk of this week in our Z, three days, three nights and several hundred miles of driving. And my impression has changed.
The 370Z isn't too small inside. After a couple of days I acclimated to the Z's interior dimensions and sight lines. The feeling of being stuck in an elevator with a dozen folks washed away and I really began to enjoy the car.
Don't misunderstand, it still doesn't feel as large inside as the bigger 350Z, but it is not longer a deal breaker for me.
I also realized that the black interior of our test car must contribute to that cave feeling. I'll bet a 370Z with a lighter interior feels right from day one.
Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief @ 7,306 miles
stephen987 says:
12:47 PM, 06/ 4/09
I've always felt that a good car should fit like a good pair of bespoke trousers--enough room to make necessary adjustments, but not so much that one is continually checking to see where the corners are.
For me, a Miata or a TT is about the right fit.
clarkma5 says:
01:24 PM, 06/ 4/09
Agree with stephen987. I love having all the room I need to operate and no more, and I prefer it in all-black 99% of the time.
uncanny_man says:
02:10 PM, 06/ 4/09
Personally, the more room the better (I prefer the challenger).
adavis2493 says:
02:43 PM, 06/ 4/09
John from John & Kate Plus 8 drives a 350Z Nismo, and he has 8 Kids...
Talk about cramped....
jeepsrt says:
03:00 PM, 06/ 4/09
"
John from John & Kate Plus 8 drives a 350Z Nismo, and he has 8 Kids...
Talk about cramped...."
You know how I know your gay? You watch John and Kate plus 8...j/k
stephen987 says:
04:05 PM, 06/ 4/09
@uncanny_man:
I get much more claustrophobic in the Challenger (or the Mustang or Camaro) than in any number of smaller cars. I'm just fine in a Miata, or an old MGB GT. Triumphs, Morgans, even Lotuses don't feel that bad to me.
It's not that there's an actual lack of space in the Challenger--there's not. Instead, it's that I can't feel like I'm in touch with the whole car, so I feel trapped in something whose extremities I can't control, or even see.
adavis2493 says:
06:14 PM, 06/ 4/09
jeepsrt:
It was shown on the extended episode that aired recently discussing their option of getting a divorce.
It was the most watched TV Show of that day with over 20 Million Viewers.
PS. I am currently engaged and straight.
dougtheeng says:
06:25 AM, 06/ 5/09
I find the 350Z to be really claustrophobic so I imagine I wouldn't feel much better in the 370.
crowb says:
07:11 AM, 06/ 5/09
+1 jeepsrt.
Adavis 2493, he was just kidding. Its from the movie "The 40 Year Old Virgin".
jeepsrt says:
07:24 AM, 06/ 5/09
Thankyou, crowb, I guess it's hard to get a joke on line, and adavis2493.. I was joking.
ahightower says:
11:38 AM, 06/ 5/09
As long as there's plenty of leg room and a comfy seat, I like a small car.
roadburner says:
06:06 PM, 06/ 5/09
"As long as there's plenty of leg room and a comfy seat, I like a small car."
Exactly. Nothing in my garage is over 180" long- and three are under 170".