Nissan 370Z review 2021

Model review

Though Nissan might be better known for its family crossovers these days, this is a firm that has deep sporting roots, thanks to models like the GT-R and ‘Z’ sports cars. 

 It’s the latter we’re interested in here, which are the more accessible sports cars in the firm’s range, with past hits including the 240Z and 350Z.

 But the most recent Z model available in the UK is the 370Z, which arrived in 2008 as a lighter, more compact sports car boasting extra power and more modern styling that offers a real ‘muscle car’ look to it. 

 It would be followed by a drop-top Roadster model a year later, bringing drop-top thrills and the chance to experience the 370Z’s vocal engine more clearly. A number of special editions would follow including the 370Z Yellow and 370Z Black (both named after their paint colours) and a 2011 GT Edition that celebrated the firm’s success in motorsport at the time. 

 In 2013, Nissan would introduce a high-performance Nismo model, which boasted revised styling, extensive reengineering and additional power. It became the 370Z to have, at least where driving enjoyment was concerned. 

Latest model

 The most recent update to the 370Z came in 2018 as part of a comprehensive model-year update. Changes included new 19-inch alloy wheels, a new metallic red colour and a new high-performance clutch for the manual gearbox. A larger media system was also introduced to higher-spec GT versions.

 In 2019 and to mark 50 years of Z models, Nissan introduced a special anniversary model,  which boasted a choice of two special liveries paying homage to past models, as well as further Alcantara for the interior. In 2020, the Nissan 370Z would be discontinued after 11 years. Though Nissan is readying a new ‘Z’ model, it’s not expected to be available in the UK. 

Value for money

When new in 2009, the 370Z represented decent value for money, with models available from £26,895 and top-spec versions costing £32,000. But given the 370Z is no longer available new, it’s used prices that are of more interest. 

 At the time of writing, 370Zs were just sneaking under £10,000, with the Roadster models being slightly cheaper than the Coupe, which is available from around £11,000. Expect to pay around £12,500 for a tidy well-looked after car. The latest models commanded around £25,000, too. 

Looks and image

 The 370Z is a sports car that appeals to a different type of customer – one not so fussed about quality and brand. So it’s unlikely to ever be considered in the same bubble as a Porsche Cayman or Audi TT, for example. That said, with its chunkier, almost muscle car-like styling, it’s still quite appealing in a brutish kind of way. 

 The interior isn’t quite so appealing, though, with the 370Z’s cabin really lacking on the quality front, and certainly not anywhere near as pleasant as rivals. On the plus side, the popular GT model comes with a generous amount of creature comforts, including electric leather and suede sports seats, and a touchscreen. 

 Behind the wheel, the 370Z has a really old-school feel about it. The engine is packed with character, though needs working hard as it doesn’t have a turbocharger like more modern rivals. The manual gearbox is very pleasant, though, featuring rev matching technology for smoother downshifts, while there’s a solid weight to everything too. Like the cabin, though, it lacks the finesse of most of its rivals. 

Space and practicality

The 370Z is a strict two-seater, so it’s no surprise that this isn’t a car that will be bought with practicality in mind. The cabin is quite tight and cramped, while there’s hardly anything in the way of storage, with some awkward cupholders and small door pockets not offering much in the way of room. 

 The boot is quite small at 235 litres, too, and is awkward to access, especially with heavier items. That said, Nissan says it offers space for a couple of golf bags.

Engines

All 370Z models feature largely the same engine, though the Nismo does offer slightly more power and more in the way of performance. 

 The engine used is a big and meaty 3.7-litre V6 that doesn’t have the turbochargers found in most rivals. It produces 324bhp and 363Nm of torque in standard guise, which enables a 0-60mph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. There’s also the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 

 The Nismo model is tuned to 339bhp and 371Nm of torque, which sees the 0-60mph time drop a tenth of a second to five seconds flat, while keeping the same 155mph top speed. All Nismo versions come with a six-speed manual transmission, too.

Running costs

 It probably won’t come as any huge surprise to learn that the 370Z won’t be cheap to run. With that big V6 under the bonnet, it will be thirsty to say the least. Nissan says it will only return 23mpg, while CO2 emissions ranging from 259g/km-285g/km are impressively high. Interestingly, the automatic will be the cheaper model to run. 

 High CO2 emissions also means big road tax bills, though if you’re looking to keep running costs down, take a look at non-Nismo models registered after April 2017, which will cost £140 per year to tax, rather than £565 if it falls outside of this. 

Things to look out for

Due to the 370Z’s rarity, not a huge amount is known about its reliability, though it is thought to be one of the more dependable sports cars of this calibre. As with any performance model, regular maintenance is absolutely crucial to its longevity. 

Rivals

 Key rivals to the 370Z include the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman, while the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ could both be considered, though are noticeably down on power compared to the Nissan. 

 As for drop-tops to rival the 370Z Roadster, take a look at the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and Mercedes SLK. 

Depreciation

With the 370Z not being on sale for more than a year, most examples will have suffered the initial hit in value that affects most new cars. Though prices for the 370Z are quite a way from hitting rock-bottom, you should be able to drive it without worrying too much about the depreciation.