Test Drive: 2009 Nissan 370Z coupe review

1) Nismo is not equivalent to AMG. All Nismo does on production Nissans is add a few bright, flashy bits and perhaps new springs and a low-flow exhaust (and maybe an aftermarket brake kit from another manufacturer). AMG will essentially drop the largest engine that can fit into the bay of the particular Mercedes, as well as providing a full outfit of new suspension, transmission, braking, wheels, and other parts. Also, you're not going to see a Nismo version of a Nissan Sentra, whereas Mercedes has no qualms about offering an AMG model of everything in sight, including the SUVs.

2) The mustang, camaro and challenger were never about MPH. They were about 0-60. Still are.

3) The push-button start is not a "nice touch." It's a total waste of time and perfect example of over-engineering to suit the boy-racer crowd. Practically every manufacturer has gone this trendy route on at least some models. The reality is it that a push-button starter is worthless if you still need a separate key to activate it.

The 240Z had an inline six cylinder NOT a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder. Recheck your facts.

As a 370Z owner, some of the comments by the author aren't entirely correct. The outside mirrors are more than adequate and actually on the large side. The back space easily holds a pair of duffle bags...one owner I know of puts his hard-shell guitar case back there. If you ask previous Z owners about the glove box, they'll tell you that there wasn't one before. Thus, the glove box now is a great addition. I've been able to keep a portable GPS as well as a radar detector and extra cables in there without a problem. Finally, the Z puts up numbers that compete with all the V-8 muscle cars. The only V-8 that truly trumps the 370 in a straight line is the Camaro SS. The rest are right on par or lag behind the 370Z. This is truly a bargain of a sportscar that beats competition well beyond its price point. I love it.

As for the push-button starter...it's fabulous. The 370Z only requires the key fob to be inside the car to then operate the push-button starter. There is no need to insert the fob anywhere in the car to start it. You'll quickly love the design when all you do is walk up to the car, push the button on the door handle to unlock it, and then sit down and start the car with a push of the starter button. Leave you keys in your pocket from now on.

The 240Z had an inline six, not a four cylinder. While I wouldn't necessarily expect your average Joe on the street to know this, someone who writes about cars for a living should resign if they don't know this basic automotive historical fact.