Nissan takes two swipes at the sports coupe market in 2009 with the 2009 Nissan 370Z and the 2009 Infiniti G37; the former has just started to dot the streets but the latter has been on the market for a couple of years.
Both coupes sport a 3.7L, V6 engine and are being dubbed as “brawlers” with a real edge to their performance. The 2009 Infiniti G37 carries marginally less brake horsepower than the 2009 Nissan 370Z: 332 to 330 bhp. The G37 is narrower, taller, and longer than its rival, 112.2 inches, fully a foot more than the 370Z. This should translate to the Nissan being more powerful with speedier acceleration. The Fair Lady and the G Coupe come with a 7-speed automatic gearbox standard with a 6-speed manual option.
The dimensions may play a big role in your decision aside from power and price. Do you want the sleeker, theoretically more elegant Infiniti or the Nissan that is shorter, punchier, and more powerful?
2009 Nissan 370Z Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Nissan 370Z ($29,930); 370Z Touring ($34,460)
Engines:
332-hp 3.7-liter V6
Transmissions:
6-speed manual; 7-speed automatic
Safety equipment (standard):
frontal airbags, curtain airbags, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, ABS, EBD
Safety equipment (optional):
none
Basic warranty:
3 years/36,000 miles
Assembled in:
Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Nissan 370Z ($29,930)
Standard equipment:
air conditioning, power steering, power disc brakes, power windows, power locks, console, cruise control, message center, trip computer, floor shift, fog lamps, cruise control, intelligent key, Homelink universal transceiver
Options as tested (MSRP):
Sport Package ($3,000) includes 19-inch forged lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high-performance radials, front and rear spoilers, bigger brakes
Destination charge:
($695)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$33,625
Layout:
rear-wheel drive
Engine:
3.7-liter dohc 24-valve V6
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
332 @ 7000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
270 @ 5200
Transmission:
6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
18/26 mpg
Wheelbase:
100.4 in.
Length/width/height:
167.1/72.6/51.8 in.
Track, f/r:
61/62.8 in.
Turning circle:
34.1 ft.
Seating capacity:
2
Head/hip/leg room, f:
38.2/54.6/42.9 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
N/A
Cargo volume:
6.9 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
N/A
Suspension, f:
independent, double wishbone, coil spring, gas-pressurized shock, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link, coil spring, gas-pressurized shock, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
N/A
Curb weight:
3232 lbs.
Tires:
P245/40R19 front, P275/35R19 rear
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Fuel capacity:
19.0 gal.
2008 G37 Coupe Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Infiniti G37 Coupe ($34,250); Journey ($35,000); Sport 6MT ($35,550)
Engines:
3.7-liter V6
Transmissions:
5-speed manual automatic; 6-speed manual
Safety equipment (standard):
two-stage frontal airbags, side airbags in front, full-length curtain airbags, Vehicle Dynamic Control, ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, tire pressure monitor
Safety equipment (optional):
none
Basic warranty:
4 years/60,000 miles
Assembled in:
Tochigi, Japan
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Infiniti G37 Coupe ($34,250)
Standard equipment:
leather, AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system, 7-inch LCD monitor, HID bi-Xenon headlights, aluminum 18-inch wheels with all-season tires, keyless entry and starting, automatic temperature control
Options as tested (MSRP):
Sport Package ($1850); 4 Wheel Active Steer ($1300)
