Edmunds Inside Line - Comparison Test: 2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2008 BMW 135i

[m-power]

I agree that the two cars are a bit different and aim to different buyers.
I personally would take the Bimmer.

 

[cawimmer430]

Both are obviously very good and capable cars, but one thing that has always scared me to death was the appearance of the Nissan 350Z - and now the 370Z. It's just a total mess IMO and has nothing on the old Z cars of the 1970s and 1980s in terms of visual charm.

 

[NarutoRamen]

There is. It is a defeatable system.

Aside from being a trick gadget to have, I can see some worth in it. For a skilled driver proficient at heel-and-toeing, it can be helpful when you first learn a track. Once familiarized, you can turn it off and have maximum fun while almost maximizing performance. And for those into autocrossing or "time attacks," the system's ability to consistently perform perfect downshifts is a bonus for bragging rights. For longer events, there may be some benefit to driver fatigue and might help the driveline last longer as well.
In any event, there's no sequence of buttons to push when you want to do a launch, as many DCT's require you to do. You're also free to pick the revs at which you want to launch. DCT will also cost and weigh more, but has other benefits naturally.

Thanks for the info man. The way you put it does make sense, and I do agree with you. Honestly, just like any other car, most of these cars will not see a track and that's the sad part.

 

[Deutsch]

I think some of you guys are making this too black and white. I mean any little difference between cars of like performance or concept that can give one a base from which to argue in favor of not comparing the two. Configurations aside these two cars are quite similar, and it makes perfect sense that they'd compare them .Most 1er owners probably NEVER use the rear seats (at least domestically). Look at it this way, if the 1er only had two seats would the two really be all that different???? No.

 

[VroomVroom]

Would have been nice to see the 135i in the M-Package so it doesn't look so standard compared to the sporty 370z

 

[Mr Robert]

Look at it this way, if the 1er only had two seats would the two really be all that different???? No.

It would have been built a bit different. Probably lighter. Probably more focused.

 

[Zafiro]

It would have been built a bit different. Probably lighter. Probably more focused.

Cars like Z4 and 350Z are lower with better center of gravity which mean better handling. Also you sit lower and feels sportier than a 1-series.
I've driven Z4 Coupe and totally loved it, much more feeling and sportier than my 1er.

 

[Deutsch]

Man, I can't even fit in the Z coupe.

 

[Tarek]

Man, I can't even fit in the Z coupe.

How big are u?

 

[martinbo]

I think he's 6 foot 5"...

 

[Deutsch]

I think he's 6 foot 5"...

Good memory.

 

[NarutoRamen]

Man, I can't even fit in the Z coupe.

That's what you get for being so damn tall!

 

[klier]

Wonder what is this extra dimension that 370Z has that cayman doesn't have - making people puke with its ugliness?

I liked 350Z a lot. But this new one is an over designed mess.

I agree. It looks like a toy car at best. In my opinion, absolutely horrible. 350Z was ten times prettier.

 

[Mr. M]

I've only just noticed this now:



Even on a manual-equipped model, there's a current gear indicator. That's very unusual for a pukka manual and a very nice touch for the sporting enthusiast...

The trip meter looks like its poached from Audi... Sorry if it's the only thing I noticed. It's just that I see those meters everyday and it strikes me first.

 

[Mr Robert]

Would have been nice to see the 135i in the M-Package so it doesn't look so standard compared to the sporty 370z

The 135 comes standard with the exterior M-sport package, so I guess you would have to go to the BMW PP to find anything more sporty for a OEM 135.

 

[Mr Robert]

The trip meter looks like its poached from Audi... Sorry if it's the only thing I noticed. It's just that I see those meters everyday and it strikes me first.

At first glimpse, I thaught that was an Audi cluster...