2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2009 Mitsubishi Evo-X
If you are looking into buying a new 2009 Nissan 370Z, then chances are you are after something with a bit of growl, some grunt, and a lot of power. The performance car market can make your decision difficult with so many offerings: the Ford Mustang series, the BMW 3 Series, and rally cars such as the nimble and coveted 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X. Many will ponder between the two in the coming months.
In comparison, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X pushes out 291 bhp, while the 2009 Nissan 370Z has an impressive 332 bhp. The Evo-X will get you where you want to go, but not as speedily, and may look a bit less nifty in doing so. The 370Z is a smaller, nippier car, being shorter by almost a foot and smaller in height by eight inches. Its shorter wheel span makes it easier to control, and more fun to throw around corners.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z is the latest release in the popular Z-car series, which dates back to 1969. Think of it as Nissan’s 40th birthday present to the motorist (if only all birthdays worked that way). It handles better, goes faster, and arguably looks better than the Mitsubishi. It even has a 7-speed automatic gearbox that you can shift by means of paddles, letting you live out your Formula 1 fantasies to your heart’s content.
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| 2009 Nissan 370Z Model Line Overview | |
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| 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 |
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| Specifications As Tested | |
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| 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. |
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| 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X Model Line Overview | |
| Model lineup: | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR ($32,990); MR |
| Engines: | 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions: | 5-speed manual; 6-speed twin-clutch, electronic-shift (Sportronic) manual |
| Safety equipment (standard): | dual-stage front airbags; front seat-mounted side airbags; full coverage side curtain airbags; driver’s knee airbag; ABS with EBD; Active Stability Control; tire pressure monitor system |
| Safety equipment (optional): | N/A |
| Basic warranty: | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled in: | Mizushima, Japan |
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| Specifications As Tested | |
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| Model tested (MSRP): | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR ($32,990) |
| Standard equipment: | automatic climate control; cruise control; power windows, door locks and color-keyed outside mirrors; Recaro front bucket seats; tilt steering column; 140-watt, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with DSP; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; center console storage box with armrest; remote keyless entry system; floor mats; fog lights |
| Options as tested (MSRP): | Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package ($2000) |
| Destination charge: | ($625) |
| Gas guzzler tax: | N/A |
| Price as tested (MSRP): | N/A |
| Layout: | all-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 2.0-liter, dohc, 16-valve, inline-4 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 291 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 300 @ 4400 |
| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 16/22 mpg |
| Wheelbase: | 104.3 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 177/71.3/58.3 in. |
| Track, f/r: | 60.8/60.8 in. |
| Turning circle: | 38.7 ft. |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 39.6/53.3/42.2 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | N/A |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 36.9/54.1/36.1 in. |
| Cargo volume: | N/A |
| Payload: | N/A |
| Towing capacity: | N/A |
| Suspension, f: | independent MacPherson strut (inverted), coil spring, gas-pressurized shock, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent, multi-link, coil spring, gas-pressurized shock, stabilizer bar |
| Ground clearance: | 5.3 in. |
| Curb weight: | 3517 lbs. |
| Tires: | P245/40R18 |
| Brakes, f/r: | vented disc/vented disc with ABS, EBD |
| Fuel capacity: | 14.5 gal. |