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2011 Nissan 370Z vs. 1990 Nissan 300ZX: Past Meets Present

 
7 19,423 views Sep 22, 2011
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2011 Nissan 370Z And 1990 Nissan 300ZX

2011 Nissan 370Z And 1990 Nissan 300ZX

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Photos by Alex Bellus.


Many things have changed in the car industry over the past 21 years, but one thing remains constant: Nissan produces a sports car bearing the letter Z. Known to some as the Fairlady, and others as simply as The Z, there's no question that Nissan has built a cult-like following for this model.

It's no secret that we are big fans of the Z here at MotorAuthority. Our fearless editor Nelson Ireson owned a 2003 350Z, and I have a 1990 300ZX 2+2. When a 2011 370Z Roadster landed in my driveway for a week, a comparison between the past and present seemed only natural.

Read on for the full analysis.






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Comments (7)

  1. phil12321 avatar Philippe DeRosier Posted: 9/22/2011 5:57pm PDT

    Last paragraph was well put.... the 370Z is an awesome car but seems as if its just another nissan. I Wouldnt turn my head the same way to notice a 370z. but on the other hand I would break my neck to turn and see a 300zx...
     
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  2. fb_100001663981238 avatar Daniel Chavez Moran Posted: 9/26/2011 7:02am PDT

    The new Z's are just hideous ... I'm a big Z car fan and love the body lines and styling of the original 240Z, but this modern "remake" is a modern art masterpiece; and not in a good way mind you.

    Why can't the Japanese take a cue from Germany and design cars that don't look like they are going to don armor and do battle with Godzilla? I don't need a kung fu fighter, I need a car that looks timeless and redefines the Fairlady moniker. THAT's why the Z car was heralded and accepted in the US.
     
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  3. fb_605954556 avatar Errett Porter Posted: 9/26/2011 6:44pm PDT

    As an owner of a 2010 NISMO 370, I personally love the looks of the 370. I cannot tell you how many times I am stopped to talk about the car.

    Could Nissan give it more power? Of course. But at less than 50% of the cost of the GT-R, why take the attention away from the machine that the US has drooled over for years?

    The Z of the early '90s drew attention, just like the 350 did when it burst on the scene and now the 370 carries the torch. In 2004 I drove a 350 and loved it but ended up buying a G35 coupe and then another in '06.

    I finally have my Z and it makes me smile every time I see it in the garage.

    E
     
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  4. mayday813 avatar mayday813 Posted: 9/27/2011 7:16pm PDT

    To compare a 20 year old sports car to a 2011 model is folly and simply an exercise in journalism. The new model has more power, better performance, better mpg, and better safety systems than a 1990 model.
    For those that question the new 370Z's styling, I would suggest you view the new Porsche 911 and the Jaguar XE. Given the cost of the 370Z, it's an everyday sports car at a reasonable price.
    I like both vehicles. I drive a 2011 370Z Touring coupe with the sports package and six speed. I've driven manual transmissions for more years than I care to admit and the rev match feature is truly a joy to use. Finally, I've received more positive remarks about this car than any other car I've owned which includes a '65 396 Vette and '90 ZR
     
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  5. fb_669965947 avatar Rob O'Keefe Posted: 9/28/2011 12:18pm PDT

    Agreed 100%, Daniel. I can't help but like the current 370Z, but because it's a 370Z, not from any real love of the design. Not bad, either, but just many better options out there. Not all at the same price or with the same specs, of course, but still... Give it an Audi TT/Maserati look and I'll put one back in the driveway, promise.
    At least Nissan tries... Toyota, nothing. Lexus IS 250/350, nice, but badly overpriced. Honda... Prelude comeback, anyone? S2000 for the young, but c'mon, Honda! Not Acura, either, just not that sporty at all.
     
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  6. fb_1109178914 avatar Brenden Nickless Posted: 6/19/2012 11:01am PDT

    Makes me proud to own my JDM Z32 TT. Loved the review too, definitely raised some relevant issues with Nissan's values today. Can tell you're a Z lover...maybe they need to learn to love their Z's as much as they used to...
     
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  7. fb_601786450 avatar Jason Nguyen Posted: 6/7/2013 9:22pm PDT

    I own a 94 2+2 and love it. I still get people turning their heads and people asking me to sell it to them. Although the new Z isnt as unique, it is a powerful car and has its followers. Love is love :-) .
     
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