What's the difference between Nissan's 370Z and the new just-Z?
A smaller engine and a lot more horsepower — also about 200 more pounds.
But that hasn't slowed things down.
What It Is
The Z, as it's now called, is the descendant of Datsun's (as Nissan was once called) 240Z sports car, which made its debut in the United States back in 1969. It is similar to the original in general layout: Two seats, a hatchback rear (which makes this small sports car much more practical than sports cars with just a tiny trunk), rear wheel-drive, six-cylinder engine and manual transmission.
It differs from the original in that the new Z's six is a V6 — rather than the original's in-line six — and the V6 has two turbos and makes about three times as much power. The new Z is also a much quicker Z, being capable of getting you to 60 in just over four seconds.
A '69 240Z took about eight seconds to get there, right on pace with a new Corolla.
But, like the original Z, the new one is an elemental one with minimal distractions from the drive. This includes the standard manual transmission - in every trim - which keeps your attention focused on the drive.
Prices start at $39,990 for the base Sport trim. The next-up Performance trim, $49,990, adds a more aggressive 19-inch wheel/tire package, more aggressive suspension tuning, a limited slip differential, upgraded brakes and electronically assisted rev-matching shifts for the six-speed manual transmission.
You can opt for a nine-speed automatic if you prefer.
The range-topping Proto Spec, $52,990, has all of the additional hardware that comes with the Performance, plus a set of lightweight Rays wheels and a unique yellow and black paint/trim scheme.
What's New for 2023
The Z is all-new.
What's Good
Manual transmission isn't restricted to just one trim.
All trims come standard with the same 400 horsepower engine.
Hatchback layout makes this sports car more practical than others, such as the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 and Mazda Miata.
What's Not So Good
V6 isn't as smooth — or as revvy — as Toyota Supra's inline six.
Startlingly heavy (3,486 pounds).
Big price increase versus last-generation 370-Z.
Under The Hood
When Datsun — today's Nissan — introduced the 240Z back in '69, it was powered by a 2.4-liter single overhead cam inline six with a pair of side-draft carbs that made 151 horsepower. This was enough power to be sporty enough in a car that weighed just 2,260 pounds.
The new Z has almost three times the power — because it's nearly a third again as heavy — and so needs it.
To make up for the weight that would otherwise slow it down, the new Z has a 3.0-liter V6 that's a third as large as the 2.4-liter inline six that powered the original 240Z — and it makes 400 horsepower.
This is how a nearly 3,500-pound sports car gets to 60 in just over four seconds.
On The Road
The new Z is about one second quicker to 60 than the previous 370Z as well as an easier-driving Z.
A pair of turbos will do that.
In the old car, which had an engine that made plenty of power (332 horsepower) but not until 7,000 rpm, and which didn't have a lot of torque (just 270 foot-pounds) and not until 5.200 RPM, it was necessary to rev the engine to get the wanted reaction. This isn't a bad thing in a sports car — unless you're commuting in it.
The new car behaves differently — when you haven't got the room to let the engine wind out. You no longer need to because of all the torque the new turbocharged engine develops — all 350 foot-pounds at just 1,500 rpm. You can drive the Z like a Corolla, if you like. Just a little pedal pressure delivers more than enough power to put-put from red light to red light, and it's not necessary to shift much as you do.
But when the light goes green, it goes.
At The Curb
The new Z looks a lot like the previous 370Z in general terms. Same basic swoopy shoe shape but a little longer overall (172.4 inches now vs. 167.5 then).
Interior dimensions are almost exactly the same, including the same 42.9 inches of legroom and 38.2 inches of headroom and 54.2 inches of shoulder room. It's a cozy space for two.
One thing that's carried over all the way from '69 is the new Z's hatchback rear, which gives the new Z a big practicality advantage over sports cars with trunks that have almost no room for carrying anything except you and one passenger.
The Rest
The new Z is considerably more expensive than the previous 370Z — but it's also a lot less expensive than the rival it's most closely similar to, Toyota's Supra. Even more so when you take into account that the Supra doesn't come standard with a six (and costs a lot more) while the Z does.
And costs a lot less.
It is also not that much more expensive in base trim than a loaded Subaru BRZ or Toyota 86, and neither of the latter offer anywhere near as much power (just 228 horsepower) and they both have trunks.
The Bottom Line
One often hears the phrase, "For the money it's a pretty good deal." That cheapens a pretty sweet deal, which is what Nissan's offering here.
Eric's latest book, "Doomed: Good Cars Gone Wrong!" will be available soon. To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.
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