Nissan Z vs 370Z NISMO Drag Race: Surprising Results
content: The Unexpected Drag Race Showdown
When Throttle House pitted the new 400hp twin-turbo Nissan Z against a 350hp 370Z NISMO, expectations were clear: the modern sports car should dominate. Yet the reality proved more complex. As James noted, "I did a hot lap in this car after the new Z and it was only a couple tenths slower on worse tires." This raised critical questions about the new Z’s performance evolution. Our analysis reveals why the gap wasn’t as wide as predicted and what it means for driving enthusiasts.
Performance Data Comparison
The standing-start drag race delivered telling results:
| Metric | New Nissan Z | 370Z NISMO |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 350 hp |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Key Advantage | Twin-turbo torque | Lighter weight |
| Race 1 Gap | ~1 car length | Driver error |
Despite the new Z’s power advantage, the first race saw James’ 370Z NISMO nearly match it after a botched no-lift shift. The critical takeaway: Driver skill significantly narrowed the performance gap. In the second attempt, the new Z secured a clearer win – but as Thomas observed, "That’s the gap you expect from a new gen car." Not the demolition many predicted.
Handling and Driving Dynamics
Beyond straight-line speed, the tests exposed stark handling differences:
- New Z weaknesses: Excessive body roll, hesitant traction control, and unsettled braking behavior compared to rivals like the Supra or Camaro
- 370Z NISMO strengths: Sharper cornering response and communicative chassis feedback
- GT vs Sports Focus: The new Z prioritizes comfort, while the outgoing model feels more raw and connected
James’ roll-race victory in the new Z confirmed its straight-line superiority but highlighted a trade-off: "It leans too far to the GT side... less confident on the brakes than it should be." This aligns with testers’ experience that the 370Z NISMO delivers purist thrills despite its age.
The Future of the Z Legacy
Three key insights emerged from Throttle House’s testing:
- Modding potential: The new Z’s twin-turbo setup responds well to tuning – a path many owners take
- NISMO hope: A future performance variant could address handling flaws while keeping the engaging manual transmission
- Value proposition: Used 370Z NISMOs offer exceptional driver engagement at lower prices
Professional verdict: The new Z is faster but less involving. As Thomas summarized, "In the GT-speedy new-age ways it’s better... but this [370Z] is objectively worse yet more fun."
Actionable Takeaways for Buyers
- Test both generations: Experience the new Z’s power versus the 370Z’s agility
- Prioritize brakes: Aftermarket upgrades are recommended for serious track use
- Consider tire choice: The 370Z’s lap time proximity shows rubber significantly impacts performance
Recommended Resources:
- Sport Auto suspension tuning guide (for addressing new Z body roll)
- Z1 Motorsports performance packages (trusted by Z-car communities)
- NASA Track Night events (ideal for safe performance testing)
Final Verdict
The new Nissan Z delivers measurable speed gains but sacrifices the razor-edge handling that made the 370Z NISMO iconic. For driving purists, the previous generation remains a compelling choice – while the new model’s potential awaits unlocking through future NISMO variants or modifications.
Which would you choose: the new Z’s power or the 370Z’s agility? Share your reasoning below!
