10 Cars That are Similar to the Nissan 370Z
When it comes to Nissan’s 370Z, there are not very many vehicles in its class that come with a 332-horsepower, V6 engine with rear-wheel drive. It was first introduced from the Nissan production camp in 2009 with what was the brand new addition to the GT-R lineup of the infamous Nissan “Z” cars. The “Z” nameplate was instantly recognized by fans of the automotive industry who pay attention. The unique “Z” began its legacy in 2003 with the Nissan 300ZX and the Datsun 240Z models. The 370Z had a bigger and more powerful 3.7-liter engine fitted into a smaller automobile so that it could achieve optimal performance on a tight road course. This, along with the Nissan “Z” attitude that came with it, came at a base price of $29,930 USD at the time and could easily stand up to the iconic Chevrolet Corvette and the legendary Ford Mustang. This first generation of the 370Z series was a carryover from the 2008 350Z models until its 2010 model year. Among the motorists who know enough to pay attention to detail, the slight redesign difference between the 350Z and the 370Z was the track-ready chassis design, as well as the spear-shaped headlights and taillights that mimicked the design of the 2009 Maxima. The front fascia, along with the fenders, gave the 370Z a new and improved sporty look to the “Z” series without offending fans of the GT-R lineup. Not only did the 37Z look more aggressive than its predecessors, but it was also more aggressive.
370Z’s Evolvement
Now in 2022, Nissan’s 370Z remains loyal to its heritage as a two-seater sports coupe. The latest Z in the lineup looks similar to the previous model but has an improved comfort level and a new instrument panel that has a smoother layout that is easier to access its controls. The sport bucket seats are deeper, which improves lateral support and slippage issues. The driver’s seat has a more cushioned seat and stiffer frame than the passenger’s seat which reduces the amount of excessive movement while behind the wheel. This makes it easier for the driver to accelerate, shift, and steer, allowing for optimal performance on the road and on the track. In 2009, the Nissan 370Z was able to zip from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.7 seconds. Since its summer of 2021 introduction, the 2023 Nissan 370Z is rumored to have a 400-horsepower performance level with a fifteen percent speed-up improvement when going from zero to sixty. Currently, the 2019 model of the Nissan 370Z still holds fast to the design that was introduced in 2009, which had some critics cite the series as somewhat outdated in appearance. However, even with its “outdated” label, the Nissan 370Z remains one of the hardest vehicles of its kind to beat. The price point of a 2020 Nissan 370Z tends to start at $36,950 USD. According to CNet, the 2023 Nissan 370Z base model starts at $40,015 USD. This is slightly cheaper than the latest Toyota Supra models and considerably cheaper than the latest Porsche 911 series.
1. Audi S5
Starting in 2016, the light and sporty Audit S5 shared 370Z’s spotlight as a car that doesn’t cheap out on its appearance and performance level. The 3.0-liter supercharged engine is capable of producing 333 horsepower and can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.6 seconds. as of 2022, the Audi S5 at 349 horsepower can hit sixty miles per hour in 4.4 seconds. When compared to the Nissan 370Z, the Audi S5 has been known to run faster with a better efficiency level, at least according to the reviews of some critics. The standard all-wheel-drive from Audi has been demonstrated as the reason for it compared to Nissan’s rear-wheel-drive-only model. The Audi TT model also deserves mention, thanks to its Volkswagen VR6 that was incorporated into this particular series. Although it’s at 288 horsepower, the latest of the Audi TT series is capable of reaching sixty miles per hour in 5.2 seconds.
2. BMW 230i
Although the BMW 2-Series may not share the same level of horsepower as the Nissan 370Z at 248, the rear-drive chassis still allows this sporty coupe to be an equally enjoyable ride. Also known as the 230i, this vehicle is capable of going from zero to sixty miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. Just like the 370Z, it’s a two-door coupe that is built for two. Unlike Nissan’s model, the BMW 230i is an automatic transmission vehicle only.
3. Chevrolet Camaro
Currently, the Chevrolet Camaro holds the mantle as the closest rival to the Nissan 370Z. Its 335-horsepower, six-cylinder engine is capable of going from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.8 seconds. This is only a fraction of a second behind the 370Z and its 332-horsepower machine. These are numbers from 2019, which have been demonstrated since the debut of this particular generation of the Camaro in 2016 it has become the closest model to mimicking Nissan’s 370Z to date. 2022’s numbers see a maximum horsepower of 665 and can reach sixty miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. Yes, this makes the Camaro speedier and more muscular than the 370Z but we’re talking about an iconic automobile that has remained an All-American classic ever since it was first introduced to the public in 1966.
4. Chevrolet Corvette C6
Since 2008, the Chevy Corvette’s V8 sixth-generation sports car has ramped up its performance level, thanks to the six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission and the six-speed automatic. The LS engines continue with the Corvette tradition as a highly performant and reliable source of power, keeping this legendary model at the top of the American sports car food chain. Its ability to reach sixty miles per hour in just four seconds continues to give Nissan good reason to further upgrade its 370Z model. Granted, the run of the C6 series discontinued as of 2013 but this served as the closest rival to the 370Z series up until now. Now in 2022, the Corvette can hit sixty miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. Although this leaves Nissan’s 370Z behind in its dust, it still shares the same characteristics as a two-door sports coupe that still holds true to its heritage without compromising on the technological advancements that strive to keep up with market demands.
5. Ford Mustang
In 2019, Ford Mustang offered either a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 310 horsepower or a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter eight-cylinder at 460 horsepower. This iconic automobile can reach sixty miles per hour as quickly as 5.1 seconds while the eight-cylinder can pull it off in 4.6 seconds. Mustang has been an American legend since 1964 and remains at the top as one of the all-time favorites as far as sports cars go. However, Nissan’s impressive 370Z gave Ford cause to upgrade its Mustang models in order to keep up and stay on top. Unlike the 370Z, the Mustang is known to come as a four-seater, but it is still a coupe that shares a sleek exterior.
6. Hyundai Genesis Coupe (2014)
The 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is this company’s first attempt at a rear-wheel-drive sports car. As the most versatile coupe from this Korean manufacturer, the gearbox of this model can either come as a six-speed manual or a five-gear to eight-gear automatic. This depends entirely on what sort of engine the driver wishes to go with. The V6, 3.8-liter aspirated engine as a six-speed manual can reach sixty miles per hour in 5.2 seconds at a horsepower capacity as high as 348.
7. Mazda MX-5 Miata
When the Mazda MX-5 Miata was first introduced to the consumer market, it made headlines as a sporty car with a surprisingly reasonable price tag. While it does take the Miata longer than the Nissan 370Z to reach sixty miles per hour at 5.4 seconds with its 180-horsepower engine, this is still an easy-handling, sweet ride for drivers of all experience levels. Like the Nissan 370Z, the Miata is handled with a six-speed manual transmission as a rear-wheel drive. It also has six-speed automatic transmission available in its 2022 Grand Touring edition.
8. Porsche 911
As a two-door, two-seater coupe, the Porsche 911 has earned a reputation as one of the most successful and usable sports cars in automotive history. If one is looking for something that compares with a Nissan 370Z model, there are 911, 996, and 997 models from Porsche’s lineup that can fit the bill. If one doesn’t want to invest oodles of cash into a 2022 Porsche, investing in a gently used model that has a few years to it will also work. The 911’s coupe design holds its 1998 heritage, much like Nissan’s 370Z has done the same. The 911 classic Carrera base model is also referred to as the 996. Granted, the 2022 Porsche 911/996 fetches a much higher price than versions from previous years but as a comparison to the Nissan 370Z with its sporty appearance, associative interior makeup, and overall performance, they are similar enough to each other where it counts.
9. Toyota 86
For years, Nissan and Toyota have been rivals in the automotive industry. Although the Toyota 86 may not share the 370Z prowess at only 200 horsepower, it still comes across as a sweet ride capable of hitting sixty miles per hour in 6.1 seconds. For drivers that are not as experienced behind the wheel, the Toyota 86 makes a perfect alternative to the Toyota Supra and the Nissan 370Z. It’s easy to handle as a rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission. It also comes as an automatic transmission. There is room available for upgrades for better overall performance.
10. Toyota Supra
Since the Nissan 370Z’s introduction in 2009, the Supra from Toyota has held the mantle as the closest thing to its rival the most often. As far as two-door sport coupes go, the Supra is Toyota’s golden ticket as an elite machine. 2022’s model has an impressive 382-horsepower that can hit sixty miles per hour in as little as 3.6 seconds. These vehicles come as an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, as well as manual mode.