Test rode a 370z Roadster
 

i own a 2005 black 350 roadster and had an opportunity to test ride a new 370z Roadster. What surprised me the most was the fact that the exhaust note was so completely different than the 350z's. The raspy throaty distinctive sound that is so familiar in the 350 coupe and roadster ( i know same motor ) and also in the G35 and FX 35 is missing. Otherwise the 370 felt a bit more powerful, more refreshed, nicer interior etc......but I was missing the sound of my 350. Do others feel this way or am I way off base.

Did u get a chance to test out the defroster???

yeah the note is non existant on the 370 i guess you could upgrade the exhaust

throw on a pair of test pipes or HFC's and the sound your seeking is back. I initially had the same issue but test pipes from GTM gave me exactly what I wanted.

How is the handling? I used to have a 2005 roadster. I am considering the 370z roadster as my next car. I have mix feelings about its size :). Still too big for a true roadster.


tony

Re: Handling
 

I am not sure what you mean by the 370 roadster is too big to be a true roadster. The cars are similar in size and in my short road test the handling was also very similar. The 370 is basically a slightly more modern take on the 350. I have to admit over time the styling is starting to grow on me. It's similar to the coupe....the more 370 coupes i see the better i like them....it is basically an evolutionary change to the 350....both cars are awesome....if you had and enjoyed the 350 and you can afford it give the 370 a shot. You won't be disappointed.

I owned the 350 coupe for almost 3 years and later bought the 350 roadster which I owned for 2 years. The roadster doesn't drive as nice as the coupe in terms of handling, etc. The car felt heavy. Then I jumped to an S2000 which is nicer drive than the 350 roadster because of its weight.

I haven't driven the 370 yet, but have sat on both the coupe and roadster. I will drive one soon to make the conclusion (on paper it still a heavy car) :)

tony

New member here, 1 st post, Just got a 370 Roadster last week.
I came from a Boxster to the 370. Loved the Boxster and wanted the next generation 2012 model but it may not be available for up to a year and my car came off warrantry last month. For me this is not a car I wanted without a warranty as one part failed last winter and the part alone I was told was $4K plus a lot of labour and here in Canada los of tax.

ANyway to shorten up the story I was interested in the Grand Sport Corvette, Roush Mustang and a manual shift Z4.....however there were none in this city to see or drive, I was actually considering a Mustang GT convert as bang for the buck you can't beat it, especially past model year but the handling leaves a lot to be desired after a Porsche.

Next and final chapter....... Last Wednesday I stopped by aa Nissan dealership at 5:45pm (they closed at 6pm) and see a 370 Roadster, 6 speed, sport pac, and ask to take it for a spin and even though it was time for the salesrep to go home he says no problem and off we go (he gets to go home about 7pm and he was happy to do it - nice guy). Within 2 km I knew I was onot something special here.....handling, braking, steering and performance are on par with a Boxster S (IMHO). Researched the heck out of the car, liked what I saw and picked it up last Friday. Incredable car - at $30+K less. Porsche should be concerned.

Lucky you that they have one for you to look at and even take a spin.

I was in the dealer last month in here, Toronto, they can only have a sold 370 coupe for me to look at, just look.

I did not know how rare they appear to be but now that I give it thought I don't recall ever seeing one on the road. Never realized how fortunate I am to have got my hands on it and bought it. After a week and a half with it I like it better than the Porsche with one exception.....the Porsche trunk space is superior. A couple days ago I priced out a Boxster S to compare against what I paid for my touring roadster with sport package. The Boxster S priced put $38K more. This 370 of mine is a long term keeper.