It’s difficult to pinpoint competitors. There aren’t too many examples of coupes or convertibles with a 332-horsepower V6 and rear-wheel drive; for example, the legacy of the Z vehicles from Nissan/Datsun is absent. A low-to-mid $30,000s (or mid-to-high $40,000s) vehicle has an intriguing range of possibilities.
Despite being an older model, the 370Z is still entertaining to drive. From a generational perspective, it is the oldest vehicle in its class. However, it’s perfectly okay to utilize a classic front-engine/rear-drive setup along with some good oomph. I wonder what else we may turn to for inspiration.
Please note, any prices included may change at any time. They’re provided as a ballpark to give you an idea how the price compares to the Nissan 370z.
Audi TT
The Audi TT is a light, fast, and charming sports vehicle, even though it is not lacking in performance. It is, in fact, a beautiful sports vehicle.
The base engine for the Audi TT was a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine. For more power, the engine received a bigger turbocharger. Finally, the engine used in the Volkswagen VR6 was incorporated into the Audi TT.” This result has many possible results, including either 178 horsepower, 222 horsepower, or 247 horsepower with the V6. A manual transmission was offered, but buyers could choose between Haldex all-wheel-drive and a quattro-branded Haldex all-wheel-drive system. The six-speed dual-clutch gearbox was included with the V6, as well as a quattro system, and in 2006 the V6 was joined by a six-speed automatic transmission with more aggressive suspension. The Audi TT was the first automobile from Volkswagen Group to use TDI engines, which include turbocharging of the direct injection process.
Toyota Supra
To say that the Toyota Supra is also a zippy-looking sports car that performs well for the price is an accurate and well-described statement.
Ready to hit the race track. as free as a bird The 2021 Toyota GR Supra delivers a constant rush of driving enjoyment no matter which way the road takes you. As you can see, the engine in the GR Supra is turbocharged and rear-wheel drive, has a low center of gravity, and comes with a track-inspired cabin.
Toyota 86
Although it is a rear-wheel drive coupe from a Japanese business, the 86 is one of our 10 Nissan 370Z competitors that you should consider due to its well-balanced vehicle with outstanding aesthetics. Admittedly, the four-cylinder flat engine only produces 200 horsepower, but the purpose of the 86 is to present a raw, unadulterated kind of pleasure. This is perfect for new drivers learning how to drive and operate a rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission.
For racers that want to run in the 86’s competitive scene, the vehicle has adequate storage room for a set of wheels and a rudimentary toolkit. Take the racing rubber and go for a short hot lap on the track, then switch back to the road tires and drive home. A day well spent, indeed.
BMW 2-Series
The starting price for the BMW 2 Series is $36,295 for the 248-hp 230i coupé. For less power than the 370Z, it’s financially impractical, but the rear-drive chassis of the German vehicle should make it considerably more entertaining. I don’t doubt that BMW knows how to match driver needs and preferences.
In the 10 years since the 370Z was introduced, the 2 Series has been on the market for five years. There is a notable distinction in the elegance and complexity of the two outfits. While it takes the 370Z just five seconds to go from a stop to 60 mph, the 230i is only a tenth of a second behind. The 230i offers 13.8 cubic feet of usable cargo capacity, whereas the 370Z coupe has 6.9 cubic feet.
Ford Mustang
For the Mustang, a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder generates 310 horsepower or a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, which produces 460 hp. For $27,490, you may get the base coupe, also known as the base model, which is named the GT for a base price of $36,450.
Mustang is a classic. While there is ample evidence to show how previous models operated, the present model drives just like a fully contemporary machine. The launch control is the usual equipment on a limited-slip differential (in versions with the manual transmission). A turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets the car to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, while a turbocharged four-cylinder engine does the same thing in 4.6 seconds.
Honda Civic Type-R
While it may seem illogical to include a front-wheel drive small hatchback as one of 10 competing 370Z models, there is a specific situation for the Type-R. It features a strong 306-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, and it has superb handling, which comes in three driving modes: Comfort, Plus-R, and Plus-T. It will be able to go from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds.
There are also several trade-offs to be made while selecting the 370Z, like that it costs approximately $36,600, but it comes with an abundance of equipment and much more. The 370Z is far from being a wallflower, but the other bad news is its racy design.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
It’s hardly likely that a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower will make the experience of driving a 370Z feel monotonous. As a result, the 5.4-second zero-to-60 mph time does not show the vehicle’s attitude to the task at hand. It’s a fantastic ride for a novice and an experienced alike.
Additionally, soft-top cars cost cheaper, approximately $27,000. Instead of going for a traditional fastback (RF), look for a retractable fastback model that weighs only slightly more, gives a quasi-coupe feeling, and still offers an open-topped feel. Such a car may cost around $33,500. It is in your best interest to take the automobile for a test drive.
Mini Cooper Hardtop
Since we’ve already decided to include a front-drive hatch among our 10 370Z competitors, we’re not that far off from including a Mini. It’s driver-centric, and the John Cooper Works is the most. This is a great handling front-drive car because of the suspension.
However dynamic the chassis is, it doesn’t require more than the 228 horsepower that the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood provides. With excessively punishing rides, an adaptable suspension is one of the possible solutions. This hatchback’s starting price of $32,650 may be affordable.
Subaru WRX Limited
Consider this. This small car was engineered to use the sporty characteristics of all-wheel drive and sharp handling across the motorsports arena. The flat-four engine features a 268-horsepower turbocharger, contributing to a low center of gravity. However, you might say that the WRX would not give the same exhilaration as a 370Z, but that is okay in its own way.
At $33,000, the WRX Limited grade with a manual transmission is our favorite, as the continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a separate option on the automatic version. Gadgets and technology that aren’t seen as cool by the majority of the population are highly popular with aficionados. The 5.4-second sprint to 60 mph is the main strength of the WRX, but this car also excels at quick turns.
Chevy Camaro
In other words, the Camaro is a competitor to the 370Z. It’s priced at $32,990 for the 3LT V6-powered variant, which boasts 335 horsepower. In addition to the standard equipment that comes with the 370Z, such a limited-slip differential, CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, GPS, and a Bose audio system, it comes with more features and equipment than the 370Z. Other than smartphone connectivity, everything about the 370Z is optional.
The 0.1-second time between the Chevy and the Nissan corresponds to the 0.60-mile sprint of the Chevy to 60 mph. A strong chassis adds to the driving enjoyment of the Camaro. This is the first time this generation has been released, thus it’s far fresher than the 370Z. The 275-horsepower four-cylinder engine is exciting, too, and it won’t break the bank.
Dodge Challenger
However, although the 370Z has better handling, the Challenger is not. No convertible variant is available. For around $30,000, you can get a front- or rear-drive SXT grade model powered by a 305-horsepower V6.
But, interestingly, there’s another way to look at things. At $35,495 before extras, the 2019 Challenger R/T is one of the most economical ways to buy a new car with a V8. What this implies is that the car’s power is equivalent to 375 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque from a displacement of 5.7 liters, as well as the type of thrilling engine note that can only be produced by an engine of this design while reaching 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Though the 370Z does not share any visible characteristics with the Nissan, it is clearly part of the same group.
