2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The 2009 Nissan 370Z and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe exemplify cars that you really want to drive; offering bundles of power, lots of gadgets, and tons of personality (sometimes that suggests “they break down a lot”, but not in this case). Nissan has a more popular legacy of designing, developing, and building cars that you want on your driveway. Hyundai throws their hat into the ring with the introduction of the 2010 Genesis Coupe; a vehicle gaining interest every day.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z and the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe share similar market release years and considerable pre-release buzz. The 370Z is the latest in a long line of Nissan Z Cars. The Genesis Coupe is the younger, crazier brother of the Hyundai Genesis, which only saw the light of day as a concept car in 2007.
The headlines are on brake horsepower: the 370Z offers 332 to its neighbor’s 312. On wheelbase, the Japanese car is almost a foot shorter mirroring its smaller MSRP stature – not by much, though. Until both are released onto the market and more reviews become available, we will not know which one offers a better driving experience, but then waiting is half the fun.
|
|
|
| 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. |