The 2011 Nissan 370Z is a sports car manufactured by Japanese car maker Nissan Motors Ltd. It is the sixth generation in a series of sports car manufactured by Nissan. The Nissan Z-car line currently holds the record for being the best-selling sports car of all-time with over 2 million units sold, and the Nissan 370Z promises to be no different from its predecessors, boasting a price that is lower in range when compared to other sports cars. It has been hailed as the “sports car on a budget,” winning awards such as Best Resale Value Award and Automotive Best Buy Award.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Coupe | Base Price: $30,610.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons (71.9 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Length: 167.2 in. (424.6 cm) | Width: 72.6 in. (184 cm) |
| Height: 51.8 in. (131.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 100.4 in. (255 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3232 lbs (1466 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 2 people |
| Engine: 23-valve DOHC V6 Aluminum Alloy | Displacement: 3.7 liter |
| Horsepower: 332 HP | Max RPM: 7000 RPM |
| Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds | 1/4 Mile: 13 seconds |
| Option:370Z Sport | MSRP: $34,480; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:370Z Touring | MSRP: $36,150; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:370Z Touring Sport | MSRP: $39,180; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
| Option:NISMO 370Z | MSRP: $40,830; MPG: 18 city / 26 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 370Z has the same 3.7-L V6-rated 332 horsepower engine its previous model year predecessor had. With a maximum power of 7,500 rpm utilizing a six-speed transmission system; it can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 5 seconds. There is also a seven-speed automatic transmission option available with matching paddle shifters and a Downshift Rev Matching System. It is available as a coupe or a roadster in 3 trims: Base, Nismo, and Touring.
Performance-wise the Nissan 370Z is very good, with impressive handling and swift acceleration times. Though gas efficiency-wise, it still scores low (18/25 mpg in traffic/highway) like most sports cars do when compared to high-efficiency hybrid-powered cars. But you won’t mind that when you’re not looking for gas-efficiency when buying a sports car, are you?
Interior & Exterior
The 370Z’s exterior looks sleek and reminiscent of the Nissan GT-R, an effect Nissan says is quite intended. Its wheelbase spans 2.55 m long while the body is 4.24 m long, 1.85 m wide and 1.32 m tall. The interior finish isn’t quite up to par with BMW or Audi, but then, you won’t get a BMW or Audi with the same price. All models are 2-seaters, and do not feature much room for anything else. Although the 370Z do provide more cabin space than most sports cars.
The seats are comfortable and adjustable to fit, although taller drivers may wish to have more headroom than the car allows. The steering wheel is adjustable, and the seats are well-padded with bolstered armrests and padded knee rests, making your driving experience cushy and comfortable. Interior noise is something that’ll be less than desired in this model, as it produces road noise that is just enough for you to need speaking up louder when speaking to your companion seated next to you. Add-ons include touch-screen navigation system, rearview monitor, an XM radio, a 9.3 GB music box hard drive, and USB and iPod connectivity.
Safety & Reliability
The 2011 370Z includes all the standard safety features you’d expect from a high-end car: anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction, and stability control; dual stage supplemental front air bags and roof-mounted side air bags and active head restraints. While the 370Z hasn’t been crash tested by the NHTSA, the previous generation model, the 350Z scored mostly 4 star ratings.
Comparisons
If you’re interested in similar sports cars, you should check out the following sports cars: the BMW 1 Series (MSRP $30,950; 18 city / 28 hwy), the Hyundai Genesis coupe (MSRP $22,250; 21 city / 30 hwy), the Infiniti G37 (MSRP $32,000; 20 city / 29 hwy), and the Ford Mustang (MSRP $22,145; 19 city / 29 hwy). The Genesis Coupe and the Ford Mustang both offer lower prices as well as more space, although the Genesis Coupe can’t match the 370Z’s acceleration and power. Both The BMW 1 series and Infiniti G37 are a more refined and polished version of the 370Z, but are also more expensive.
Pros
- Handles extremely well
- Has smooth and powerful acceleration with stable steering control
- Good performance value
- Great price range
Cons
- Lacks refinement and labors at high revs
- Noisy (both drivetrain and road noise)
- Lacks interior and storage space
Overall Rating
73 out of 100
What others say:
“A great performance car that starts just under $30,000, the 2011 Nissan 370Z comes close enough to Porsche performance to make you wonder.”Car Connection
“Though it doesn’t jump off the line like some sporty cars, 370Z is smooth and strong. It responds well for passing and merging.”Consumer Guide
“Excellent handling and braking; nifty rev-matching manual transmission; powerful V6; compliant highway ride; high-quality interior; relatively low price.”Edmunds
“The Z two-seater shares mechanical components with the Infiniti G coupe, including a wonderfully strong and smooth V6. The six-speed manual shifter is a bit notchy but is easy to use. The Z has a well finished, upscale interior with improved materials. Road and tire noise are constant and the two-seater cabin is cramped. A convertible version is also available.”MSN-ConsumerReports
