Breaking Down the Numbers: Nissan 370Z's 0-60 Times in Detail

By: Max F. Arellano / February 01, 2024

The Nissan 370Z 0-60 times range from 4.6 to 5.4 seconds, making it a powerhouse of a sports car known for its speed and agility on the road.

In this article, we'll take a close look at the 0-60 times of different models of the Nissan 370Z, how they stack up against other iconic sports cars, and also discuss things that affect the 370Z's acceleration.

Key Takeaways:

 
• The Nissan 370Z has a powerful engine and lightweight design that produce 0-60 times of about 5.0 seconds
 
• The Nissan 370Z was produced from 2009 - 2020, and didn't change much during its life cycle.
 
• The Nissan 370Z can hold its own against other popular sports cars in terms of 0-60 time, such as the Ford Mustang and Subaru BRZ.

What Is the Nissan 370Z?

The Nissan 370Z, also known as the Fairlady Z in Japan, is a renowned sports car that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. It is a two-door, two-seater coupe or convertible (roadster) that boasts impressive performance and striking design.

The Nissan 370Z is the sixth generation of the renowned Z-car line. Its roots can be traced back to the iconic Datsun 240Z, famous for its agile and stylish performance.

It was produced from 2009 until 2020, when it was discontinued. However 2023 saw the introduction of the Nissan Z, a slightly remodeled version of the 370Z which has a turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400hp, and sprints to 60mph in 4.5 seconds.

What Is the 0-60 Time of the Nissan 370Z?

What Are the Different 0-60 Times for Different Models of the Nissan 370Z?

The Nissan 370Z lineup offers an array of models and trim levels, each exhibiting distinct 0-60 mph times, highlighting variations in acceleration performance among the base, Heritage Edition, and NISMO variants.

In terms of acceleration, the base Nissan 370Z can achieve 0-60 mph times ranging from 4.6 to 5.4 seconds, with most reports consistently clocking in around 5 seconds flat.

Over the course of its lifecycle, the 370Z hasn't seen significant improvements in acceleration. For instance, a 2009 automatic base model 370Z impressed with a swift 4.6-second 0-60 mph time in a test by Car and Driver. If you judge solely by their records, the 370z has actually gotten slower, with their review of a 2016 base model recording a leisurely 5.1 seconds

.

Its worth noting, however, when considering other sources, the two cars have virtually the same time.

The NISMO variant, boasting enhanced engine tuning and aerodynamics, accomplishes the 0-60 mph sprint in approximately 4.7 seconds.

While the base model occasionally achieves similar speeds, the NISMO variant consistently delivers on this front.

On the other hand, the Heritage Edition, adorned with unique styling elements and heritage-inspired design cues, shares the same 0-60 mph time as the base model. This is because it essentially is the same car, differing only in terms of styling.

Base Model

   
• Engine: 3.7-liter V6, around 332 hp and 270 lb-ft torque
   
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic
   
• Suspension: Sport-tuned
   
• Interior: Comfortable with modern technology
   
• Price: Affordable

NISMO

   
• Engine: 3.7-liter V6, approximately 350 hp and 276 lb-ft torque
   
• Transmission: 6-speed manual  or 7-speed automatic
   
• Suspension: Performance-tuned
   
• Exterior: Unique styling, NISMO badging
   
• Interior: NISMO-branded seats and trim
   
• Price: Premium

Heritage Edition

   
• Exterior: Unique paint, retro-inspired stripes
   
• Interior: Special accents
   
• Performance: Based on the base model
   
• Price: Mid-range

In summary, the Nissan 370Z Base model provides a well-rounded sports car experience at an affordable price, the NISMO offers enhanced performance and a more aggressive look for enthusiasts, and the Heritage Edition focuses on nostalgia and unique styling to celebrate the Z car's history.

How Does the Nissan 370Z Compare to Other Sports Cars in Terms of 0-60 Time?

To gain a comprehensive perspective on the 370Z's acceleration, we'll place it in context by examining its performance alongside several other notable sports cars.

   

Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang, a legendary American muscle car, offers a range of engine options.

The V6-powered variant is a bit slower than the 370Z, with 0-60 times usually in the low 6's.

The Mustang GT, which saw a notable improvement in acceleration with the introduction of the coyote engine in 2011, is faster on average than the 370z, getting to 60 in just 4.5 seconds.

A comparable model would be the Ecoboost, a newer line of Mustangs equipped with a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, which achieves 0-60 times ranging from 4.5 to 5.6 seconds.

Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra, a collaborative project with BMW, boasts a turbocharged inline-six engine renowned for its robust performance. When it comes to acceleration, the Supra often surpasses the Nissan 370Z, achieving 0-60 times in approximately 4 seconds, and sometimes even clocking in faster. This establishes it as a compelling contender for enthusiasts in search of both lightning-quick speed and a contemporary design.

Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ is part of a sibling pair alongside the Toyota 86 (formerly Scion FR-S), and it's known for its lightweight and balanced handling characteristics.

While it has less horsepower than the 370Z, the BRZ's lower weight and focus on agility make it a competitive contender in the 0-60 comparison. Both cars typically achieve 0-60 times in the low 6-second range.

What Factors Affect the 370z's 0-60 Time?

Vehicle Weight

The weight of a vehicle significantly influences its 0-60 time, with lighter cars generally exhibiting quicker acceleration due to reduced mass and enhanced power-to-weight ratios.

The weight of the Nissan 370Z can be considered moderate but not extremely heavy when compared to some other sports cars or vehicles in its class. The curb weight of a Nissan 370Z typically falls in the range of approximately 3,300 to 3,500 pounds (1,500 to 1,588 kilograms), depending on the specific trim level and optional equipment.

While it's not exceptionally lightweight like some high-end sports cars or lightweight sports coupes, it's also not overly heavy. The weight of the 370Z is reasonably balanced with its engine power, and it's designed to provide a good combination of agility and stability for spirited driving.

It's important to note that weight distribution and how the weight is distributed in the car (front to rear) also play a significant role in the vehicle's handling characteristics and overall performance. Nissan has engineered the 370Z to provide a balanced weight distribution, which contributes to its sporty handling and performance.

Engine Power

The engine power of the Nissan 370Z plays a crucial role in determining its acceleration capabilities, with higher horsepower and torque ratings leading to improved 0-60 times and overall performance.

Specifically, the Nissan 370Z is equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine that generates an impressive 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain configuration allows the vehicle to achieve a swift 0-60 mph time, showcasing its remarkable acceleration prowess.

The Nissan 370Z also boasts a finely-tuned suspension and advanced aerodynamics, further enhancing its performance on the road. Combined with its robust engine power, these features contribute to the car's reputation for delivering an exhilarating driving experience.

Traction

The traction capabilities of the Nissan 370Z, including its grip on the road surface and overall handling dynamics, greatly impact its 0-60 time by influencing the efficiency of power transfer to the wheels during acceleration.

Ensuring superior grip and handling, the traction control system of the Nissan 370Z plays a pivotal role in optimizing its acceleration performance. By effectively managing wheel spin and distributing power to minimize tire slip, the traction control system enhances the vehicle's ability to deliver power to the ground efficiently, translating into quicker acceleration and improved stability.

The responsive nature of the Nissan 370Z's handling, attributed to its advanced traction control mechanisms, provides drivers with enhanced confidence while pushing the car's limits. This combination of superior grip and precise handling allows the 370Z to exploit every ounce of power from its engine, granting enthusiasts an exhilarating and dynamic driving experience.

Transmission

The transmission system of the Nissan 370Z, encompassing its gearbox and gear shift mechanisms, significantly affects the 0-60 time by optimizing the delivery of power from the engine to the drivetrain, influencing acceleration efficiency.

Through its advanced gearbox technology, the Nissan 370Z ensures swift and precise gear transitions, contributing to the seamless transfer of power and prompting rapid acceleration.

The incorporation of performance-oriented gear shifts enhances the driving experience, allowing for dynamic responsiveness and enhanced control during acceleration, ultimately amplifying the thrill of driving the 370Z.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of breaking down the numbers for Nissan 370Z's 0-60 times?

Breaking down the numbers for 0-60 times allows us to understand the performance capabilities of the Nissan 370Z in detail. It gives us insight into the acceleration and speed of the car, which is crucial for car enthusiasts and potential buyers.

What is the average 0-60 time for the Nissan 370Z?

The average 0-60 time for the Nissan 370Z is around 5 seconds. However, this may vary depending on the model year and specific trim level.

How does the Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time compare to its competitors?

The Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time is quite impressive, especially when compared to its competitors in the sports car market. It outperforms many other cars in its class, such as the V6 variants of the Mustangs/Camaros, and the BRZ/86s

What factors affect the Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time?

Several factors can impact the Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time, including the engine size, transmission type, and weight of the car. The type of tires and road conditions can also play a role in the acceleration time.

Are there any variations in the Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time within its own model range?

Yes, there can be variations in the 0-60 time within the Nissan 370Z's own model range. For example, the Nismo trim is known to have a faster acceleration time compared to the base model due to its upgraded engine and suspension.

Has the Nissan 370Z's 0-60 time improved over the years?

There were not any noticeable improvements in the 0-60 times over the years, with a 2009 variant of the 370Z setting the benchmark at 4.6 seconds. However, the Nissan Z, the successor to the 370Z, has surpassed this time, achieving the feat in 4.5 seconds.