Test drove Subaru BRZ and a 370Z, opinions
06-04-2013, 04:20 AM
#42
I have driven (Flat-out on the track) a few examples of the BRZ and FRS, as well as the 350 DE, rev-up, HR, Nismo 350, 370 and 370 Nismo.
The BRZ/FRS actually handles better than all but the the Nismo 370 and I really need to drive them back-to-back to be sure which is better. My gut says the BRZ/FRS handles better because they are lighter, but the 370 Nismo has awesome handling too.
They should lower the price of the BRZ/FRS or bump the HP, though. (Although I would rather stick with smooth power delivery if they have to use something with lag and on/off switch power to get a decent power bump.)
Due to the new SCCA classes for next year, my brother is actually looking at trading in his Mini and getting a BRZ. He's also interested in a used Z but since he can trade cars with me almost whenever he wants, (if he gets the BRZ) he can really "have" both.
I'm hoping he gets a BRZ.
The BRZ/FRS actually handles better than all but the the Nismo 370 and I really need to drive them back-to-back to be sure which is better. My gut says the BRZ/FRS handles better because they are lighter, but the 370 Nismo has awesome handling too.
They should lower the price of the BRZ/FRS or bump the HP, though. (Although I would rather stick with smooth power delivery if they have to use something with lag and on/off switch power to get a decent power bump.)
Due to the new SCCA classes for next year, my brother is actually looking at trading in his Mini and getting a BRZ. He's also interested in a used Z but since he can trade cars with me almost whenever he wants, (if he gets the BRZ) he can really "have" both.
I'm hoping he gets a BRZ.
Last edited by Z1NONLY; 06-04-2013 at 04:24 AM.
06-04-2013, 06:40 AM
#43
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I think the BRZ/FRS is a few thousand too much to start off with, but they are extremely tuner friendly. Yes, it only has 200hp stock but they have Prius tires from the factory, and it's a light car, so it makes it much more fun. The engine is apparently very capable and is just tuned very conservatively from the factory. They already make BBKs, suspension, basically everything you'd want to upgrade. Plus it's a great looking car IMO. I can see myself owning one in a few years time.
This is a good video about the FRS/BRZ
This is a good video about the FRS/BRZ
06-04-2013, 09:19 AM
#45
I just bought a '13 370Z. Test drove a Hyundai Genesis 3.8 R-Spec and Grand Touring, Dodge Charger R/T, Mustang 5.0 and the BRZ. Genesis Grand Touring was awesome. If that package came in a 6 speed manual I probably would have bought it. R-Spec was nice but too much $ for what you get. Mustang was amazing. Boatloads of power but the steering felt disconnected and numb. Same with the Charger but with less power. Had a great deal offered on the Charger, $25.7K out the door, full leather, navi. insane deal but I realized i wanted a coupe at that point because it reminded me of the Mustang, bigger and 2 more doors. Fast but....boring to be honest. Brz was...cool. It drove the way it looks. unfortunately it doesnt GO the way it looks. Great turn in, quick response, light on its feet but.....the lack of power muted the entire experience. The 370 has it all. And good lord it is QUICK!! Oh, the BRZ/FRS did a 1:30 something on a wet Top Gear Track....thats a good time.
06-04-2013, 09:27 AM
#46
I had the same experience with the 370. Couldn't wait for it to come out. I was all ready to throw my money down, but when I drove one, I was disappointed - it was barely faster than my 07 HR and the blind spot is horrific. And they deleted the holder for my driving sunglasses. Yes, you do sit up higher in it because it shares a chassis with the G37 - just a bit shorter in length, but every bit as tall at the belt line. They did some tricky optical illusion body work to hide the taller chassis. Don't get me wrong, I like the 370, it just didn't warrant extending a new loan for not much gain.
I'm afraid the z35 will follow the same route of lots of mony for lackluster performance compared to the cempetition.
Oh, and all those Challenger/SRT/Charger vehicles suffer from serious weight penalties. You'd think a 400+ HP v8 would be insanely fast, but anchor it down with 4500-5000lbs of body mass and it defeats the purpose.
I weighed a V6 Camaro at the truck scales and it weighed 4400 LBS. the V8 would be a bit heavier. That's one thousand more pounds than my porky GT. Fail!
If I buy another sports car, it'll be the C7 vette...
My two cents
I'm afraid the z35 will follow the same route of lots of mony for lackluster performance compared to the cempetition.
Oh, and all those Challenger/SRT/Charger vehicles suffer from serious weight penalties. You'd think a 400+ HP v8 would be insanely fast, but anchor it down with 4500-5000lbs of body mass and it defeats the purpose.
I weighed a V6 Camaro at the truck scales and it weighed 4400 LBS. the V8 would be a bit heavier. That's one thousand more pounds than my porky GT. Fail!
If I buy another sports car, it'll be the C7 vette...
My two cents
It's sad when a 430hp v8 camaro ss doesn't feel quicker then an HR Z.
Imo the only way the z35 will be able to face the competition is by going FI 6 pot or a small displacement v8. Even a D/I vq37 with ~350hp just won't cut it.
C7 vette for me as well, basically a z33 curb weight with a beefy v8, now we are talking.
06-04-2013, 12:00 PM
#48
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I completely agree with you on all the points you made.
It's sad when a 430hp v8 camaro ss doesn't feel quicker then an HR Z.
Imo the only way the z35 will be able to face the competition is by going FI 6 pot or a small displacement v8. Even a D/I vq37 with ~350hp just won't cut it.
C7 vette for me as well, basically a z33 curb weight with a beefy v8, now we are talking.
It's sad when a 430hp v8 camaro ss doesn't feel quicker then an HR Z.
Imo the only way the z35 will be able to face the competition is by going FI 6 pot or a small displacement v8. Even a D/I vq37 with ~350hp just won't cut it.
C7 vette for me as well, basically a z33 curb weight with a beefy v8, now we are talking.
i took him to a certain back road (with very tight bends, some have a speed limit of 15mph) and challenged him, i need not tell the results, he gave 10,000 excuses to explain why he lost, and said he would be challenging me soon....
its been 2 years now, i am still waiting to hear from him, he has become a joke....
HR Z is just awesome IMO
Last edited by Z-Crazy; 06-04-2013 at 12:02 PM.
06-04-2013, 01:07 PM
#49
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a friend of mine bought a camaro V8. He bragged a lot about how big the engine was, and blah blah blah... that he would crush the Z.... and more....blah blah blah
i took him to a certain back road (with very tight bends, some have a speed limit of 15mph) and challenged him, i need not tell the results, he gave 10,000 excuses to explain why he lost, and said he would be challenging me soon....
its been 2 years now, i am still waiting to hear from him, he has become a joke....
HR Z is just awesome IMO
i took him to a certain back road (with very tight bends, some have a speed limit of 15mph) and challenged him, i need not tell the results, he gave 10,000 excuses to explain why he lost, and said he would be challenging me soon....
its been 2 years now, i am still waiting to hear from him, he has become a joke....
HR Z is just awesome IMO
06-04-2013, 01:49 PM
#50
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06-04-2013, 02:33 PM
#52
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I have driven (Flat-out on the track) a few examples of the BRZ and FRS, as well as the 350 DE, rev-up, HR, Nismo 350, 370 and 370 Nismo.
The BRZ/FRS actually handles better than all but the the Nismo 370 and I really need to drive them back-to-back to be sure which is better. My gut says the BRZ/FRS handles better because they are lighter, but the 370 Nismo has awesome handling too.
The BRZ/FRS actually handles better than all but the the Nismo 370 and I really need to drive them back-to-back to be sure which is better. My gut says the BRZ/FRS handles better because they are lighter, but the 370 Nismo has awesome handling too.
Before I bought my 350Z Nismo, I was fortunate to be able to drive both a 350Z and a 370Z, both Nismo's, back to back off the same dealer's lot.
I thought the 370 Nismo seemed much more civilized and less of a pure sports car feel than the 370. Suspension was much softer (more comfort tuned), and the car felt "heavier" (and I have no idea if it actually is.....
)
06-04-2013, 02:41 PM
#53
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transmission: automatic
06-04-2013, 02:50 PM
#54
I wish I had time to test drive the BRZ/FRS, seems like a pretty cool track toy. For 25K though, I dunno granted it is RWD/handles great stock, but my S/C Scion TC has more power to the wheel than that BRZ/FRS.
The 370Z is a pretty cool sports car and I do see/feel the 370Z is a step 'better' than the 350Z. But since I already have a 350Z paid for would I buy a 370Z for 25K? No, I would probably buy a project car like an FD or an NSX. (dunno about MKIV Supra, nice ones usually go for closer to 30K)
I long wish for Nissan do put a turbo in the next Z, like how the Z32 was. IMO/YMMV.
The 370Z is a pretty cool sports car and I do see/feel the 370Z is a step 'better' than the 350Z. But since I already have a 350Z paid for would I buy a 370Z for 25K? No, I would probably buy a project car like an FD or an NSX. (dunno about MKIV Supra, nice ones usually go for closer to 30K)
I long wish for Nissan do put a turbo in the next Z, like how the Z32 was. IMO/YMMV.
06-04-2013, 03:16 PM
#56
Yes. The 350Z Nismo was pretty stiff-legged (Which I didn't mindl) but it still had some lawyer-induced understeer. Don't get me wrong, it does handle well, but...I still think Nissan locked their lawyers in a closet when they set up the Nismo 370Z. It's that neutral.
The 370Z will do almost anything you tell it to do, even stupid stuff, right now.
The 370Z will do almost anything you tell it to do, even stupid stuff, right now.
Last edited by Z1NONLY; 06-04-2013 at 03:23 PM.
06-04-2013, 03:46 PM
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06-04-2013, 03:50 PM
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Most American sports cars weren't designed for high speed cornering or agility (if you look at how most of our roads and highways you'll understand).. With the exception of cars like the Viper ACR, Saleen S7 or Ford GT (with help from Lotus) they are rubbish which things start to get too technical. Even the 350Z which in my opinion should shed a view pounds can do better than most of the domestic counterparts.
06-04-2013, 05:01 PM
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