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PERFORMANCE | 9 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
The 370 is the quickest and stickiest Z that Motor Trend has ever tested. Whether opting for the coupe or roadster, the Nissan 370Z delivers stellar driving dynamics, with organic steering, stout brakes, and immense grip. About the only major gripe is engine coarseness near redline.
Motor Trend
The high-winding V6 is gutsy, though you'll know when you're getting close to the 7,500 rpm redline, as the engine sounds and feels rather coarse. In terms of handling, this latest Z is the best yet, boasting tenacious grip and sharp reflexes.
Edmunds
We clocked acceleration to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and a quarter mile run in a brisk 14.0 seconds at 105 mph.
Automobile Magazine
Heel-toe down shifting, which requires using the right foot to both brake and blip the throttle, is one of the most difficult skills for any driver to learn. The 370Z's SynchroRev Match system blips the throttle, automatically providing butter-smooth downshifts every time.
Kelley Blue Book
What we have here is a $35,000 car that accelerates to 60 mph a mere 10th behind a Porsche Cayman S.
Car and Driver
The SynchroRev manual transmission isn't bright-and-shiny new anymore, but it's no less gadget-cool for that fact; it's also a very successful, working system. Grabbing some of the best from the dual-clutch world while preserving the engagement and simplicity of the traditional manual transmission, it's the best of both worlds--and it can be deactivated if you like. The gearbox itself is a touch heavy and stiff for some tastes, but it delivers precise, predictable shifts. The automatic transmission, on the other hand, with its paddle shifters, does a passable job of emulating dual-clutch fun, but it doesn't rise to the occasion of a track-day or extended sport driving on the open road.
With a bit less wheelbase and weight than the 350Z that came before it, the 370Z feels, and ultimately is, a bit more nimble, too. The slightly dull steering, communicating little feedback to the driver, detracts from the feeling somewhat, but it's not enough to get in the way of enjoying the 370Z's stiff chassis or grippy road-holding ability.
The Roadster softens all of the 370Z Coupe's traits a touch, with a little less rigidity from the chassis, but the open-top factor may well outweigh the slight hit to performance if you're a fan of convertibles. The NISMO, on the other hand, heightens all of the 370Z's traits, from acceleration and handling to ride stiffness. Whether that's something you can live with on a daily basis is a matter to be determined on an extended test drive.
Conclusion
Both Coupe and Roadster forms of the 2013 Nissan 370Z are quick and nimble, but if you've got the cash, the NISMO takes it to another level.
