When the Nissan 370Z hit the streets, despite its improved dimensions, increased power, and tighter chassis over its predecessor, the poor bastard was relegated to second-fiddle status. Sure, it got some ink, but thanks to the R35, the 370Z was Charlie to Eddie Murphy. All you heard was buzz about the GT-R's Nurburgring lap time, launch-control-enabled 0-60 runs, the refinement of the R35, how it's constructed of unobtanium or its exhaust smelled of unicorn farts, blah, blah, blah. Not since Phoebe Cates, Dungeons and Dragons, or the debut of Olivia's Munns on Attack of the Show have I seen such a blatant display from throngs of fanboys. Screw all that noise. Having spent some quality time with both, on the track and off, the Z34 pwns the R35 and earns my vote as the best N-badged ride on the market. Here are 10 reasons why:
10. Clutch pedal. Micro-second shifts are for the birds. I'll take my half-assed heel-toe over paddle shifters any day.
9. Synchro-Rev Match. Think of it as a breakthrough heel-toe tutorial that will surely find its way into manual transmissions from competing makes. And for you naysayers, you can always turn it off.
8. RWD. When's the last time you saw an AWD car win a Formula D event or offer carbon sacrifices to the ozone gods in the form of a smoky burnout?
7. Roadster. So this one's a bit of a stretch, I know. But still, the GT-R has not and does not come in an SPF-friendly iteration.
6. Curb weight. The R35 weighs in at around 600 lbs heftier than the Z34, or the equivalent of the former cast of Jon & Kate Plus Eight or one and a half The Biggest Loser contestant(s).
5. Nismo. The 370Z comes available in a track-ready Nismo trim, straight from the dealer (oil coolers sold separately). The GT-R, with its unofficial "already perfect from the factory" mantra driven down by its engineers, will doubtfully see Nismo versions like the 400R or Z-Tune. Boo.
4. Price. Can you afford an R35? I sure can't. Take away the fact that I work in print-automotive print, at that-unless I made well into six figures, I'm more likely to score with Olivia Munn than an R35.
3. Resale Value. If you purchase the reasonably attainable 370Z, you're the proud owner of Kelley Blue Book's 2010 Best Resale Value award winner in the Sports Car category, making the Z a better investment than a condo in Miami, "First Class Forever" stamps, state quarters from Franklin Mint, or shares in print media stock.
2. Tunability. 370Z + Bolt-on modifications = GT-R killer. Proof? Super Lap Battle, November 2009: Our project Z34 (p. 66) spanked not one, but two modified R35s. Let that swirl around for a minute. Two, as in a pair of GT-Rs.
1. Fun Factor. Here's where it really counts: Great torque, neutral in corners, and ultra stable, the 370Z is an absolute blast to drive. Whereas the R35 is super fast, it's too advanced and way too easy to drive-it feels like a video game. On the other hand, the Z34 still retains its visceralness, making for a much more rewarding driving experience.
Editor
Carter Jung
carter@importtuner.com
facebook.com/carterjung