2013 Nissan 370Z Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Nissan 370Z doesn't have enough ratings to earn a Valid Total Car Score. 
 
For the 2013 model year, this sports coupe/convertible has dialed back the "catfish" look, except for the higher-performance Nismo (shorthand for Nissan Motorsport) version, whose styling remains unchanged, but always had a different nose because of its more aerodynamic front lip. 
 
The 370Z with the Sport package also gets a retuned suspension, while the base model sports a new design for its 18-inch alloy wheels, and the optional Bose audio system has more speakers. Oh, and two paint choices have been added: Magma Red and Midnight Blue. In other areas, though, it's business as usual. 
 
Most of the time, that's a good thing. Reviewers find the handling as sharp as the looks, even though both attributes seem to work better for some than others. The engine is lively if a little coarse at high revs, but critics are agreed that road noise is one of the biggest detractors to the overall enjoyment. 
 
It takes a fraction over five seconds for a regular 370Z to sprint from standstill to 60 mph, and a fraction under for a Nismo model to pull off the same feat. Versions with the Sport package's manual transmission have the still-novel rev-matching feature where the throttle is blipped automatically on downshifts, thereby harmonizing engine speed with road speed.

2013 Nissan 370Z Model Line-Up

The two-seat 2013 Nissan 370Z is available as a Coupe or Roadster. Trim levels are base, Touring or Nismo -- the latter is coupe only. 
 
Driving the rear wheels is a 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque in the base and Touring; Nismo versions are tuned to develop 350 hp and 276 lb-ft. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a seven-speed auto with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles is optional. The Nismo comes solely with the manual. 
 
Standard equipment includes climate control, heated side mirrors, a CD player and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Roadster has a power-operated fabric roof. 
 
Touring trim brings four-way power-adjustable seats that are also heated and covered in a mix of leather and faux suede. There's also Bluetooth, a Bose audio system and satellite radio. The Nismo model has 19-inch alloys shod in high-performance rubber, limited-slip differential, beefier brakes, stiffer suspension and a more prominent rear wing.  
 
Many standard Nismo features can be had in other models by choosing the optional Sport package. Navigation and rearview camera are also available. 
 
Traction and stability controls, ABS, whiplash-reducing active head restraints and side airbags are among the standard safety features. 
 
EPA estimates for the 2013 Nissan 370Z coupe with a manual transmission are 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined (this figure also applies to the Nismo); a coupe with the automatic transmission returns 19/26/22 mpg. The Roadster makes 18/25/20 mpg (manual), or 18/25/21 mpg (auto).

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