For the next week I'm driving a new 370Z 6MT (19" Forged Rays and Bridgestone RE050 Potenzas).

Is it possible that the 370Z provides BETTER ride compliance (less harshness over bad pavement and speed bumps) than my bone stock 2003 G35 coupe 5AT - (Non Sport) (new OEM shocks were fitted 4 months ago)???

Because that is what I am noticing.

Makes no sense since spring rates for the lighter 370Z are likely higher than for the G35 - unless they are progressives.

 

2010 Nissan 370Z 6MT
3232lbs
http://nissanhelp.com/models/2010/37...ifications.htm

2003 Infiniti G35 coupe A/T
3416lbs
http://infinitihelp.com/models/2003/...ifications.htm

Weight diff is 184lbs

What size and model of tire are you running on your coupe?

How 370Z spring rates are vs your coupe is anybodies guess.

Damping?
Spring rate?
FM1 vs FM2 suspension?

 

A/S Touring Goodyear Eagle Responsedge V rated F/R 225 50 17 / 235 50 17
inflated to 33 psi cold. At least the Goodyears are way more quiet than the Bridgestone RE050s.

Nissan in its advertising claimed that it increased spring rates on the 370Z from that of the 350Z. Suspension Geometry was changed in the switch to the Double Wishbones in the front. Remember the 2003 G coupe and 350Z had the same spring rates.

It is true - gone on the 370Z is the understeer associated with the G35 coupe.

The 370Z reminds me a lot of my former E36 M3. And that car had progressive spring rates.

With the 370Z there is far less "wheel hop" on frost heaves at freeway speeds.

The only area where my "old" M3 still has the current 370Z beat is in driveline refinement.

Clutch effort is on the heavy side and take-up is more abrupt compared to the M3, at least at city speeds. Also there is a whine coming from the transmission when warmed up - likely the input shaft - when it is in neutral.

I have to say that the G35 surely beats the 370Z in engine / exhaust noise, cabin noise isolation and in visibility. The 370Z has HUGE blind spots...just the drivers and passenger door mirrors make it hard to see pedestrians in crosswalks on turns. And backing out of a parking space with the 370Z.....put the flashers on.

 

i can tell you that my G35C and 370Z are two very different cars.

when i bought the Z last year i was thinking i would sell the G since they are both MFR, 6MT, fun to drive, both V6, etc. but i quickly realized how different they are and so kept my G. G is definitely my touring car and Z my sports car.

 

kenchan:

What part of the country do you live in / have the G35?

Are you noticing that over freeway frost heaves or bad expansion gaps (assuming the roads where you are resemble the same in Chicago) that the 370Z has hardly any wheel hop compared to the G35?

Or that the 370Z isn't as upset by rough railroad crossings....the G35 coupe gets really shaken up over those.

I'm wondering if replacing the rear subframe center bushing on my G35 can reduce the rear end jumpiness over the frost heaves and railroad crossings?

 

Thank.....you......Kencham. From what I've been reading, it appears to me that the 370 is - as it should be - an overall mechanical improvment over the previous, shall I say, Fairlady Z and SKYLINE 350GT.

(Okaaaaay. I've got JDM badges on my 06 G Coupe. You know, the one with the most used ***** on wrong side of the car 'cause it was originally setup up for the right-hand steering column. Personally I wouldn't change a thing......but I digress.)

So much thanks to you, in a year or 2, I may well have both, also - a basic 2 seat 370Z, and a glorified 350Z 2+2.

Unless, of course, I opt for a IS F, M3, or C63 AMG.