Nissan 370Z (2009 – 2020) Review

Nissan 370Z (2009 – 2020) At A Glance

3/5

+Impressive performance for a sub-£30k car. Nismo variant turns heads like a supercar.

-Expensive to run. Poor fuel economy. More a muscle car than a sports car. Dated cabin.

Insurance Groups are between 44–47
On average it achieves 97% of the official MPG figure

With its aggressive, chunky looks and powerful V6 engine, the Nissan 370Z has plenty of wow factor. It turns heads - particularly those of teenage boys - as well as any supercar, but it is starting to show its age now, with high running costs, a disappointing cabin and poor comfort levels. Even so it has appeal, particularly for drivers who learned in the world of Gran Turismo.

Power comes from a 3.7-litre V6 that develops a hefty 328PS, or 344PS in Nismo form. It thrives on high revs, which means working the meaty gear change, but when the engine is on song it makes for serious pace – 0-62mph takes 5.2 seconds in the Nismo model. Sadly that pace isn’t accompanied by a symphonic noise - the 370Z feels a little agricultural and misses out on the aural theatre of the latest Audi TT or BMW M235i.

It also misses out on the delicacy and capability of rivals like the Audi TT. This is more of a muscle car than a sports car – it’s happier on a wide, sweeping A-road than an undulating B-road, where the short travel suspension and stiff ride make life difficult. Getting the power down without traction control cutting in is hard unless the surface is perfect - rare in the UK.

The stiffness also affects ride quality, with constant bouncing and jiggling in the cabin. This is made worse by seats with fairly poor lower back support - you’ll need breaks if you’re going on a long journey. You’ll also have to pack light, since the boot is awkwardly shallow. You'll also have to fill up regularly since fuel economy is poor -the official figure is 26.6mpg. Thankfully that is realistic in real world driving.

It might not be the most polished performance car on the market and it lacks the precision and composure of European rivals, but if you’ve grown up with Playstation driving games you might already have a soft spot for the Nissan 370Z. If that’s the case then it is good enough to impress, but for most buyers there are better options on the market.

Real MPG average for a Nissan 370Z (2009 – 2020)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

97%

Real MPG

19–34 mpg

MPGs submitted

24

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Can you answer my questions about the Porsche Boxster?

"I’m confused about getting a Boxster. Mid life crisis, want a car with a bit of vroom, always fancied a Porsche. Test-drove a new Boxster, very nice. Lovely engine, great handling. Unsure about a number of issues; is manual or PDK best? Cabin is a bit plain and dated. Should I wait for the new Boxster next year? Not sure whether I need soft-top, should I go for a Cayman? What are the alternatives? I had a look at the Mercedes-Benz SLK, much nicer cabin but not a very interesting drive. "
One alternative is a Nissan 370Z. Completely different kind of car. I prefer the manual 370Z to the auto. Tests: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/nissan/nissan-370z-road-test/ and www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/nissan/nissan-370z-roadster/ But our David Ross is a big Porsche fan and has made the Porsche section at www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/porsche/ which is very comprehensive.
Answered by Honest John

Porsche or?

"I'm enjoying your concise, sensible videos and road tests. Given a choice of Nissan 370Z or Porsche Cayman, which would you buy?"
I'd have the 370Z. I accept the Cayman is a purists dream car, but I'm not prepared to put up with the organ grinding discomfort just to have a car I can take on track days. The 370Z is true Jekyll and Hyde. It’s comfortable even on 19” wheels and burbles along at slower speeds quite happily. Yet give it some beans and it’s huge fun.
Answered by Honest John

Grey monument

"What are the pros and cons of buying a Nissan 350Z that is a grey import?"
Pros: Cheaper and you can get a RHD auto, not otherwise available in the UK. Cons: No warranty, no history, might have been modified, parts might be hard to get, insurance will be dearer.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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